Mediated electrochemical oxidation process used as a hydrogen fuel generator

ABSTRACT

A mediated electrochemical oxidation process and apparatus are used to process biological and organic materials to provide hydrogen and oxygen for use as fuel in numerous types of equipment. Waste materials are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the waste with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the organic waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures to avoid any possible formation of either dioxins or furans. The oxidation process may be enhanced by the addition of ultrasonic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a process and apparatus for the use of the mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) process on biological and organic materials to provide input hydrogen and oxygen for use as fuel in numerous types of hydrogen fuel consumer equipment.

These materials may be destroyed by the MEO process and will yield hydrogen to be used as a fuel. The MEO process may also yield oxygen as a fuel to feed equipment such as the fuel cell. The following items are listed as fuel sources but not limited to only these items: all biological materials, and all organic materials (excluding fluorinated hydrocarbons) hence forth collectively to as waste. Typical categories of potential fuel sources are animal waste, food waste, organic waste (such as solvents, etc.) medical waste, landfill runoff, industrial waste, etc. Reference to the materials being used by the MEO process in this patent as waste does not imply that they are necessary waste in the common sense. From the MEO process point of view they are materials that the MEO process may destroy yielding hydrogen and oxygen as an input for a fuel cell or other tradition combustion systems.

Providing the hydrogen gas for input into a fuel cell is a significant engineering problem for the terrestrial fuel cell community. Many sources are being used such as natural gas (methane-CH₄), propane, oil, etc. The fuel is normally converted through a high temperature process such as fractional distillation to yield hydrogen gas in a ‘fuel processor’. Fuel processors are one of the major engineering problems with the terrestrial since only approximately 40% of the fuel is converted to hydrogen thus limiting the fuel cell efficiency. The other major problem for fuel cells is the initial cost of the hardware as compared to existing electrical generators—at least two to one in initial cost. The incorporation of the MEO process in this patent provides hydrogen and oxygen fuel to the fuel cell at temperatures below 100° C. and ambient atmospheric pressure. The oxygen for the fuel cell normally is extracted from the air. In the case of this invention, the hydrogen is nearly pure containing very little other gases, thus the efficiency of the fuel cell approaches that of a space-based cell. Terrestrial fuel cells are generally limited to using air with a limit of 20% plus oxygen. This invention may produce oxygen to be added to the air to create ‘oxygen enriched’ air. The result is the terrestrial fuel cell can achieve efficiencies more like their space based sister.

The hydrogen generated by this invention may be used as a fuel substitute for other fuels such as natural gas, propane, oil, coal, etc. The hydrogen is provided to a burner for use in a combustion system as a source of thermal energy. The hydrogen burns much cleaner then these fuels and in particular produces almost no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or nitrogen gases. Hydrogen burners may be used in furnaces, boilers, water heaters, electrical generators, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the major problems in commercializing the fuel cells technology is generating the hydrogen fuel to run the fuel cell. Currently high temperature processes are used to break down materials to create the hydrogen fuel. These thermal processes tend to complicate the system design and reduce the overall fuel cell efficiency. Furthermore, the cost of the raw fuel (that is before reducing it to yield the hydrogen) is significant in determining the cost of the energy produced by the fuel cell.

Currently high temperature processes are used to break down material to create the hydrogen fuel. There are many potential fuel sources that are rich in hydrogen that available at very little cost and in some cases at no cost at all. These candidate fuels are considered to be waste. Not only do they have low cost potential, they cost the owners considerable money to dispose of them. Typical categories of potential fuel sources are animal waste, food waste, organic waste such as solvents, medical waste, landfill runoff, industrial waste, etc. Food waste is used in the following section to illustrate the impact on the community of these various waste materials.

Food waste is a growing problem for today's technological society. The food waste generated by a large segment of our agricultural sector is an increasing burden on these companies as well as the whole country in general. The magnitude of this growing problem can be seen from the amount of food available for human consumption in 1995 was 356 billion pounds. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that 27% or 96 billion pounds were lost as food waste at retail, consumer and food service levels. In addition to this food waste, an equally large amount of food waste is generated in the food processing industry.

Considerable researches in the fields of public health, safety and environmental protection have raised the level of concern relative to the impact of this waste on our society. This has lead to the definition of this waste being expanded in its coverage of materials that must be handled in a controlled and accountable manner.

The cost of disposing of food waste in the U.S. is a multi-billion dollar per year industry. The capital cost of the equipment required is in the hundreds of millions of dollars. All businesses, industrial companies, and institutions that generate and handle this category of waste must provide safe, effective and inexpensive disposal of the waste. In recent years there has been increasing concern over the disposal of food waste. The number of materials that need to be controlled has continued to increase. Furthermore, the handling, storing, and transporting of the waste has continued to increase in cost. The liability for the consequences of the disposal of this waste is a major concern for all concerned. The liability of the users does not end with the transfer of control of these materials to disposal companies for future problems they may cause.

The dominant methodologies used today generally can be categorized as thermal decomposition, long-term storage, or landfills methods.

The most frequently used thermal destruction techniques are various forms of incineration. All of these techniques have the potential to produce volatile organics that have serious health and environmental consequences.

In the case of long-term storage, this method is viewed as delaying the solving of the problem and in fact actually increases the degree of the problem in the future. The dumping in landfills has considerable risk for the users of these materials. Many companies build ‘holding ponds’ to store the food waste for an extended period of time but these ponds are a potential serious threat to the public health and safety. If they develop leaks or overflow, the waste can enter the ground water posing a serious environmental problem. ‘Holding ponds’ may become a breeding area for organisms. The organisms produced in these ponds may result in serious health consequences. Therefore, the user community has an immediate need to develop and incorporate improved methods for the handling of all types and form of food wastes.

The methodology of this patent provides for the immediate destruction of these waste materials as close to the source as possible thus avoiding the risk of expanding the exposure time or area to these materials. The destruction technology in this patent converts these waste materials into benign natural components such as carbon dioxide, water, and small amounts of inorganic salts. During the destruction of the materials the MEO process produces hydrogen and oxygen in a clean and efficient manner. Thus, the MEO process is used to dispose of unwanted or unneeded materials to produce hydrogen fuel for use in; a) a fuel cell to produce electrical energy in an environmentally safe and economically efficient manner; or b) in a combustion process to generate thermal energy for example a water heater in an environmentally safe and economically efficient manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method and apparatus(s) for using the mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO process on biological and organic materials to provide input hydrogen and oxygen for use as a fuel for numerous types of equipment. The method and apparatus in this patent has the flexibility to deal with all of the forms of the waste as identified. The MEO process destroys and/or converts the waste (as previously defined) into hydrogen and oxygen for use in the fuel cell or other tradition combustion systems.

The mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) process involves an electrolyte containing one or more redox couples, wherein the oxidized form of at least one redox couple is produced by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The anodic oxidation in the electrochemical cell is driven by an externally induced electrical potential induced between the anode(s) and cathode(s) plates. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the food waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The redox species ions are thus seen to “mediate” the transfer of electrons from the waste molecules to the anode, (i.e., oxidation of the waste).

A membrane in the electrochemical cell separates the anolyte and catholyte, thereby preventing parasitic reduction of the oxidizing species at the cathode. The membrane is typically an ion-selective cation exchange membrane (e.g., Nafion, etc.) or a microporous polymer, ceramic, or sintered glass membrane. The preferred MEO process uses the mediator species described in Table I (simple anions redox couple mediators); the Type I isopolyanions (IPA) formed by Mo, W, V, Nb, and Ta, and mixtures thereof; the Type I heteropolyanions (HPA) formed by incorporation into the aforementioned isopolyanions of any of the elements listed in Table II (heteroatoms) either singly or in combinations there of; any type heteropolyanion containing at least one heteropolyatom (i.e. element) contained in both Table I and Table II; or combinations of mediator species from any or all of these generic groups.

Simple Anion Redox Couple Mediators

Table I shows the simple anion redox couple mediators used in the preferred MEO process wherein “species” defines the specific ions for each chemical element that have applicability to the MEO process as either the reduced (e.g., Fe⁺³) or oxidizer (e.g., FeO₄ ⁻²) form of the mediator characteristic element (e.g., Fe), and the “specific redox couple” defines the specific associations of the reduced and oxidized forms of these species (e.g., Fe⁺³/FeO₄ ⁻²) that are claimed for the MEO process. Species soluble in the anolyte are shown in Table I in normal print while those that are insoluble are shown in bold underlined print. The characteristics of the MEO Process claimed in this patent are specified in the following paragraphs.

The anolyte in the MEO process contains one or more-redox-couples which in their oxidized form consist of either single multivalent element anions (e.g., Ag⁺², Ce⁺⁴, Co⁺³, Pb⁺⁴, etc.), insoluble oxides of multivalent elements (e.g., PbO₂, CeO₂, PrO₂, etc.), or simple oxoanions (also called oxyanions) of multivalent elements (e.g., FeO₄ ⁻², NiO₄ ⁻², BiO₃ ⁻, etc.). The redox couples in their oxidized form are called the mediator species. The non-oxygen multivalentelement component of the mediator is called the characteristic element of the mediator species. We have chosen to group the simple oxoanions with the simple anion redox couple mediators rather than with the complex (i.e., polyoxometallate (POM)) anion redox couple mediators discussed in the next section and refer to them collectively as simple anion redox couple mediators.

In one embodiment of this process both the oxidized and reduced forms of the redox couple are soluble in the anolyte. The reduced form of the couple is anodically oxidized to the oxidized form at the cell anode(s) whereupon it oxidizes molecules of waste either dissolved in or located on waste particle surfaces wetted by the anolyte, with the concomitant reduction of the oxidizing agent to its reduced form, whereupon the MEO process begins again with the reoxidation of this species at the cell anode(s). If other less powerful redox couples of this type (i.e., reduced and oxidized forms soluble in anolyte) are present, they too may undergo direct anodic oxidation or the anodically oxidized more powerful oxidizing agent may oxidize them rather than a waste molecule. The weaker redox couple(s) is selected such that their oxidation potential is sufficient to affect the desired reaction with the waste molecules. The oxidized species of all the redox couples oxidize the food waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation.

The preferred mode for the MEO process as described in the preceding section is for the redox couple species to be soluble in the anolyte in both the oxidized and reduced forms; however this is not the only mode of operation claimed herein. If the reduced form of the redox couple is soluble in the anolyte (e.g., Pb⁺²) but the oxidized form is not (e.g., PbO₂), the following processes are operative. The insoluble oxidizing agent is produced either as a surface layer on the anode by anodic oxidation, or throughout the bulk of the anolyte by reacting with the oxidized form of other redox couples present capable of affecting the required redox reaction, at least one of which is formed by anodic oxidation. The oxidizable waste is either soluble in the anolyte or dispersed therein at a fine particle size, (e.g., emulsion, colloid, etc.) thereby affecting intimate contact with the surface of the insoluble oxidizing agent (e.g., PbO₂) particles. Upon reaction of the waste with the oxidizing agent particles, the waste is oxidized and the insoluble oxidizing agent molecules on the anolyte wetted surfaces of the oxidizing agent particles reacting with the waste are reduced to their soluble form and are returned to the bulk anolyte, available for continuing the MEO process by being reoxidized.

In another variant of the MEO process, if the reduced form of the redox couple is insoluble in the anolyte (e.g., TiO₂) but the oxidized form is soluble (e.g., TiO₂ ⁺²), the following processes are operative. The soluble (i.e., oxidized) form of the redox couple is produced by the reaction of the insoluble (i.e., reduced form) redox couple molecules on the anolyte wetted surfaces of the oxidizing agent particles with the soluble oxidized form of other redox couples present capable of affecting the required redox reaction, at least one of which is formed by anodic oxidation and soluble in the anolyte in both the reduced and oxidized forms. The soluble oxidized species so formed are released into the anolyte whereupon they oxidize waste molecules in the manner previously described and are themselves converted to the insoluble form of the redox couple, thereupon returning to the starting point of the redox MEO cycle.

In this invention, when an alkaline anolyte is used, the CO₂ resulting from oxidation of the waste reacts with the anolyte to form alkali metal bicarbonates/carbonates. The bicarbonate/carbonate ions circulate within the anolyte where they are reversibly oxidized to percarbonate ions either by anodic oxidation within the electrochemical cell or alternately by reacting with the oxidized form of a more powerful redox couple mediator, when present in the anolyte. The carbonate thus functions exactly as a simple anion redox couple mediator, thereby producing an oxidizing species from the waste oxidation products that it is capable of destroying additional waste.

The electrolytes used in this claim are from a family of acids, alkali, and neutral salt aqueous solutions (e.g. sulfuric acid, potassium hydroxide, sodium sulfate aqueous solutions, etc.).

A given redox couple or mixture of redox couples (i.e. mediator species) will be used with different electrolytes.

The electrolyte composition is selected based on demonstrated adequate solubility of the compound containing at least one of the mediator species present in the reduced form (e.g., sulfuric acid will be used with ferric sulfate, etc.).

The concentration of the mediator species containing compounds in the anolyte will range from 0.0005 molar (M) up to the saturation point.

The concentration of electrolyte in the anolyte will be governed by its effect upon the solubility of the mediator species containing compounds and by the conductivity of the anolyte solution desired in the electrochemical cell for the given mediator species being used.

The temperature over which the electrochemical cell will be operated will range from approximately 0° C. too slightly below the boiling point of the electrolytic solution. The most frequently used thermal techniques, such as incineration, greatly exceed this temperature range. All of these techniques have the potential to produce volatile organics that have serious health and environmental consequences. Typical of these substances are dioxins and furans, which are controlled waste materials. Dioxins and furans are formed in off gas streams of thermal treatment units (incinerators) when the off gases are cooled through the temperature range from 350° C. to approximately 250° C. The MEO process used in this patent does not create those conditions therefore does not produce these toxins.

The MEO process is operated at atmospheric pressure.

The mediator species are differentiated on the basis of whether they are capable of reacting with the electrolyte to produce free radicals (e.g., O₂H (perhydroxyl), OH (hydroxyl), SO₄ (sulfate), NO₃ (nitrate), etc.). Such mediator species are classified herein as “super oxidizers” (SO) and typically exhibit oxidation potentials at least equal to that of the Ce⁺³/Ce⁺⁴ redox couple (i.e., 1.7 volts at 1 molar, 25° C. and pH 1).

The electrical potential between the electrodes in the electrochemical cell is based upon the oxidation potential of the most reactive redox couples present in the anolyte and serving as a mediator species, and the ohmic losses within the cell. Within the current density range of interest the electrical potential will be approximately 2.5 to 3.0 volts.

In the case of certain electrolyte compositions, a low-level AC voltage is impressed across the electrodes in the electrochemical cell. The AC voltage is used to retard the formation of surface films on the electrodes that would have a performance limiting effect.

Complex Anion Redox Couple Mediators

The preferred characteristic of the oxidizing species in the MEO process is that it be soluble in the aqueous anolyte in both the oxidized and reduced states. The majorities of metal oxides and oxoanion (oxyanion) salts are insoluble, or have poorly defined or limited solution chemistry. The early transition elements, however, are capable of spontaneously forming a class of discrete polymeric structures called polyoxometallate POMs, which are highly soluble in aqueous solutions over a wide pH range. The polymerization of simple tetrahedral oxoanions of interest herein involves an expansion of the metal, M, coordination number to 6, and the edge and corner linkage of MO₆ octahedra. Chromium is limited to a coordination number of 4, restricting the POMs based on CrO₄ tetrahedra to the dichromate ion [Cr₂O₇]⁻² which is included in Table I. Based upon their chemical composition POMs are divided into the two subclasses isopolyanions (IPAs) and heteropolyanions (HPAs), as shown by the following general formulas: Isopolyanions (IPAs)—[M_(m)O_(y)]_(p−) and, Heteropolyanions (HPAs)—[X_(x)M_(m)O_(y)]^(q−)(m>x) where the addenda atom, M, is usually Molybdenum (Mo) or Tungsten (W), and less frequently Vanadium (V), Niobium (Nb), or Tantalum (Ta), or mixtures of these elements in their highest (d⁰) oxidation state. The elements that can function as addenda atoms in IPAs and HPAs appear to be limited to those with both a favorable combination of ionic radius and charge, and the ability to form dn-pn M—O bonds. However, the heteroatom, X, have no such limitations and can be any of the elements listed in Table II.

There is a vast chemistry of POMs that involves the oxidation/reduction of the addenda atoms and those heteroatoms listed in Table II, which exhibit multiple oxidation states. The partial reduction of the addenda, M, atoms in some POMs strictures (i.e., both IPAs and HPAs) produces intensely colored species, generically referred to as “heteropoly blues”. Based on structural differences, POMs can be divided into two groups, Type I and Type II. Type I POMs consist of MO₆ octahedra each having one terminal oxo oxygen atom while Type II have 2 terminal oxo oxygen atoms. Type II POMs can only accommodate addenda atoms with d⁰ electronic configurations, whereas Type I e.g., Keggin (XM₁₂O₄₀), Dawson (X₂M₁₈O₆₂), hexametalate (M₆O₁₉), decatungstate (W₁₀O₃₂), etc., can accommodate addenda atoms with d⁰, d¹, and d² electronic configurations. Therefore, while Type I structures can easily undergo reversible redox reactions, structural limitations preclude this ability in Type II structures. Oxidizing species applicable for the MEO process are therefore Type I POMs (i.e., IPAs and HPAs) where the addenda, M, atoms are W, Mo, V, Nb, Ta, or combinations there of.

The high negative charges of polyanions often stabilize heteroatoms in unusually high oxidation states, thereby creating a second category of MEO oxidizers in addition to the aforementioned Type I POMs. Any Type I or Type II HPA containing any of the heteroatom elements, X, listed in Table II, that also are listed in Table I as simple anion redox couple mediators, can also function as an oxidizing species in the MEO process.

The anolytecontains one or more complex anion redox couples, each consisting of either the afore mentioned Type I POMs containing W, Mo, V, Nb, Ta or combinations there of as the addenda atoms, or HPAs having as heteroatoms (X) any elements contained in both Tables I and II, and which are soluble in the electrolyte (e.g. sulfuric acid, etc.).

The electrolytes used in this claim are from a family of acids, alkali, and neutral salt aqueous solutions (e.g. sulfuric acid, potassium hydroxide, sodium sulfate aqueous solutions, etc.).

To maximize the production of hydrogen gas at the cathode, or minimize the production of any other elements or chemical compounds in the catholyte, it is necessary that the reaction 2H⁺+2e ⁻=H₂ predominates all other reactions at the cathode. The reduction of many nitrogen and halogen containing anions is thermodynamically favored over that of hydrogen thus the presence of these anions in the catholyte is to be avoided unless they are in their lowest oxidation state (i.e., −3 and −1, respectively), thereby precluding their further reduction.

A given POM redox couple or mixture of POM redox couples (i.e., mediator species) will be used with different electrolytes.

The electrolyte composition is selected based on demonstrating adequate solubility of at least one of the compounds containing the POM mediator species in the reduced form and being part of a redox couple of sufficient oxidation potential to affect oxidation of the other mediator species present.

The concentration of the POM mediator species containing compounds in the anolyte will range from 0.0005M (molar) up to the saturation point. The concentration of electrolyte in the anolyte will be governed by its effect upon the solubility of the POM mediator species containing compounds and by the conductivity of the anolyte solution desired in the electrochemical cell for the given POM mediator species being used to allow the desired cell current at the desired cell voltage.

The temperature over which the electrochemical cell will be operated will range from approximately 0° C. to just below the boiling point of the electrolytic solution.

The MEO process is operated at atmospheric pressure. The POM mediator species are differentiated on the basis of whether they are capable of reacting with the electrolyte to produce free radicals (e.g., O₂H, OH, SO₄, NO₃). Such mediator species are classified herein as “super oxidizers” (SO) and typically exhibit oxidation potentials at least equal to that of the Ce⁺³/Ce⁺⁴ redox couple (i.e., 1.7 volts at 1 molar, 25° C. and pH 1).

The MEO process is operated at atmospheric pressure.

The electrical potential between the anode(s) and cathode(s) in the electrochemical cell is based on the oxidation potential of the most reactive POM redox couple present in the anolyte and serving as a mediator species, and the ohmic losses within the cell. Within the current density range of interest the electrical potential will be approximately 2.5 to 3.0 volts.

Mixed Simple and Complex Anion Redox Couple Mediators

The preferred MEO process for a combination of simple anion redox couple mediators (A) and complex anion redox couple mediators (B) may be mixed together to form the system anolyte. The characteristics of the resulting MEO process is similar to the previous discussions.

The use of multiple oxidizer species in the MEO process has the following potential advantages:

-   -   a. The overall waste destruction rate will be increased if the         reaction kinetics of anodically oxidizing mediator “A”,         oxidizing mediator “B” and oxidized mediator “B” oxidizing the         waste is sufficiently rapid such that the combined speed of the         three step reaction train is faster than the two step reaction         trains of anodically oxidizing mediator “A” or “B”, and the         oxidized mediators “A” or “B” oxidizing the waste.     -   b. If the cost of mediator “B” is sufficiently less than that of         mediator “A”, the used of the above three step reaction train         will result in lowering the cost of waste destruction due to the         reduced cost associated with the smaller required inventory and         process losses of the more expensive mediator “A”. An example of         this is the use of silver (II)-peroxysulfate mediator system to         reduce the cost associated with a silver (I/II) only MEO process         and overcome the slow anodic oxidation kinetics of a         sulfate/peroxysulfate only MEO process.     -   c. The MEO process is “desensitized” to changes in the types of         molecular bonds present in the waste as the use of multiple         mediators, each selectively attacking different type of chemical         bonds, results in a highly “nonselective” oxidizing system.

Anolyte Additional Features

In one preferred embodiment of the MEO process in this invention, there are one or more simple anion redox couple mediators in the anolyte aqueous solution. In another preferred embodiment of the MEO process, there are one or more complex anion (i.e., POMs) redox couple mediators in the anolyte aqueous solution. In another preferred embodiment of the MEO process, there are one or more simple anion redox couples and one or more complex anion redox couples in the anolyte aqueous solution.

The MEO process of the present invention uses any oxidizer species listed in Table I that are found in situ in the waste to be destroyed; For example, when the waste also contains iron (Fe) compounds that become a source of FeO₄ ⁻² ions under the MEO process conditions within the anolyte, the waste-anolyte mixture may be circulated through an electrochemical cell, where the oxidized form of the reversible iron redox couple is formed either by anodic oxidation within the electrochemical cell or alternately by reacting with the oxidized form of a more powerful redox couple, if present in the anolyte and the latter being anodically oxidized in the electrochemical cell. The iron thus functions exactly as a simple anion redox couple species thereby destroying the organic waste component leaving only the disposal of the iron. Adding one or more of any of the anion redox couple mediators described in this patent further enhances the MEO process described above.

In the MEO process of the invention, anion redox couple mediators in the anolyte part of an aqueous electrolyte solution uses an acid, neutral or alkaline solution depending on the temperature and solubility of the specific mediator(s). The anion oxidizers used in the basic MEO process preferably attack specific organic molecules. Hydroxyl free radicals preferentially attack organic molecules containing aromatic rings and unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds. Oxidation products such as the highly undesirable aromatic compounds chlorophenol or tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (dioxin) upon formation would thus be preferentially attacked by hydroxyl free radicals, preventing the accumulation of any meaningful amounts of these compounds. Even free radicals with lower oxidation potentials than the hydroxyl free radical preferentially attack carbon-halogen bonds such as those in carbon tetrachloride and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs).

Some redox couples having an oxidation potential at least equal to that of the Ce⁺³/Ce⁺⁴ redox couple (i.e., 1.7 volts at 1 molar, 25° C. and pH 1), and sometimes requiring heating to above about 50° C. (i.e., but less then the boiling point of the electrolyte) can initiate a second oxidation process wherein the mediator ions in their oxidized form interact with the aqueous anolyte, creating secondary oxidizer free radicals (e.g., O₂H, OH, SO₄, NO₃, etc.) or hydrogen peroxide. Such mediator species in this invention are classified herein as “super oxidizers” (SO) to distinguish them from the “basic oxidizers” incapable of initiating this second oxidation process.

The oxidizer species addressed in this patent (i.e., characteristic elements having atomic number below 90) are described in Table I (simple anions redox couple mediators): Type I IPAs formed by Mo, W, V, Nb, Ta, or mixtures there of as addenda atoms; Type I HPAs formed by incorporation into the aforementioned IPAs if any of the elements listed in Table II (heteroatoms) either singly or in combinations thereof; or any HPA containing at least one heteroatom type (i.e., element) contained in both Table I and Table II; or mediator species from any or all of these generic groups.

Each oxidizer anion element has normal valence states (NVS) (i.e., reduced form of redox couple) and higher valence states (HVS) (i.e., oxidized form of redox couple) created by stripping electrons off NVS species when they pass through an electrochemical cell. The MEO process of the present invention uses a broad spectrum of anion oxidizers; these anion oxidizers used in the basic MEO process may be interchanged in the preferred embodiment without changing the equipment.

In preferred embodiments of the MEO process, the basic MEO process is modified by the introduction of additives as stabilizing compounds such as tellurate or periodate ions which serve to overcome the short lifetime of the oxidized form of some redox couples (e.g., Cu⁺³) in the anolyte via the formation of more stable complexes (e.g., [Cu(IO₆)₂]⁻⁷, [Cu(HTeO₆)₂]⁻⁷). The tellurate and periodate ions can also participate directly in the MEO process as they are the oxidized forms of simple anion redox couple mediators (see Table I) and will participate in the oxidation of waste in the same manner as previously described for this class of oxidizing agents.

Alkaline Electrolytes

In one preferred embodiment, a cost reduction is achieved in the basic MEO process by using an alkaline electrolyte, such as but not limited to aqueous solutions of NaOH or KOH with mediator species wherein the reduced form of said mediator redox couple displays sufficient solubility in said electrolyte to allow the desired oxidation of the waste to proceed at a practical rate. The oxidation potential of redox reactions producing hydrogen ions (i.e., both mediator species and waste molecules reactions) are inversely proportional to the electrolyte pH, thus with the proper selection of a redox couple mediator, it is possible, by increasing the electrolyte pH, to minimize the electric potential required to affect the desired oxidation process, thereby reducing the electric power consumed per unit mass of waste destroyed.

The catholyte portion of the electrolyte should not contain nitrogen or halogen anions since their reduction is thermodynamically favored over that of hydrogen unless they are in their lowest oxidation state (i.e., −3 and −1, respectively) which precludes their further.

When an alkaline anolyte (e.g., NaOH, KOH, etc.) is used, benefits are derived from the saponification (i.e., base promoted ester hydrolysis) of fatty acids to form water soluble alkali metal salts of the fatty acids (i.e., soaps) and glycerin, a process similar to the production of soap from animal fat by introducing it into a hot aqueous lye solution.

In this invention, when an alkaline anolyte is used, the CO₂ resulting from oxidation of the waste reacts with the anolyte to form alkali metal bicarbonates/carbonates. The bicarbonate/carbonate ions circulate within the anolyte where they are reversibly oxidized to percarbonate ions either by anodic oxidation within the electrochemical cell or alternately by reacting with the oxidized form of a more powerful redox couple mediator, when present in the anolyte. The carbonate thus functions exactly as a simple anion redox couple mediator, thereby producing an oxidizing species from the waste oxidation products that it is capable of destroying additional waste.

Additional MEO Electrolyte Features

In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the catholyte and anolyte are discrete entities separated by a membrane, thus they are not constrained to share any common properties such as electrolyte concentration, composition, or pH (i.e., acid, alkali, or neutral). The process operates over the temperature range from approximately 0° C. too slightly below the boiling point of the electrolyte used during the destruction of the waste.

MEO Process Augmented by Ultraviolet/Ultrasonic Energy

Decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide into free hydroxyl radicals is well known to be promoted by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The destruction rate of waste obtained using the MEO process in this invention, therefore, is increased by UV irradiation of the reaction chamber anolyte to promote formation of additional hydroxyl free radicals. In a preferred embodiment, UV radiation is introduced into the anolyte chamber using a UV source either internal to or adjacent to the anolyte chamber. The UV irradiation decomposes hydrogen peroxide, which is produced by secondary oxidizers generated by the oxidized form of the mediator redox couple, into hydroxyl free radical. The result is an increase in the efficiency of the MEO process since the energy expended in hydrogen peroxide generation is recovered through the oxidation of food materials in the anolyte chamber.

Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, ultrasonic energy may be applied into the anolyte chamber to rupture the cell membranes of biological materials. The ultrasonic energy is absorbed in the cell wall and the local temperature is raised to above several thousand degrees, resulting in cell wall failure. This substantially increases the effectiveness of oxidation by the oxidized form of redox couple species present as well as the overall efficiency of the MEO process.

Additionally, ultrasonic energy is introduced into the anolyte chamber. Implosion of the microscopic bubbles formed by the rapidly oscillating pressure waves emanating from the sonic horn generate shock waves capable of producing extremely short lived and localized conditions of 4800° C. and 1000 atmospheres pressure within the anolyte. Under these conditions water molecules decompose into hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl radicals. Upon quenching of the localized thermal spike, the hydroxyl radicals will undergo the aforementioned reactions with the waste or combine with each other to form another hydrogen peroxide molecule which then itself oxidizes additional waste.

In another preferred embodiment, the destruction rate of non anolyte soluble waste is enhanced by affecting a reduction in the dimensions of the individual second (i.e., waste) phase entities present in the anolyte, thereby increasing the total waste surface area wetted by the anolyte and therefore the amount of waste oxidized per unit time. Immiscible liquids may be dispersed on an extremely fine scale within the aqueous anolyte by the introduction of suitable surfactants or emulsifying agents. Vigorous mechanical mixing such as with a colloid mill or the microscopic scale mixing affected by the aforementioned ultrasonic energy induced microscopic bubble implosion could also be used to affect the desired reduction in size of the individual second phase waste volumes dispersed in the anolyte. The vast majority of solid waste may be converted into a liquid phase, thus becoming treatable as above, using a variety of cell disruption methodologies. Examples of these methods are mechanical shearing using various rotor-stator homogenizers and ultrasonic devices (i.e., sonicators) where the aforementioned implosion generated shock wave, augmented by the 4800° C. temperature spike, shear the cell walls. Distributing the cell protoplasm throughout the anolyte produces an immediate reduction in the mass and volume of actual wastes as about 67 percent of protoplasm is ordinary water, which simply becomes part of the aqueous anolyte, requiring no further treatment. If the amount of water released directly from the waste and/or formed as a reaction product from the oxidation of hydrogenous waste dilutes the anolyte to an unacceptable level, the anolyte can easily be reconstituted by simply raising the temperature and/or lowering the pressure in an optional evaporation chamber to affect removal of the required amount of water. The soluble constituents of the waste are rapidly dispersed throughout the anolyte on a molecular scale while the insoluble constituents are dispersed throughout the anolyte as an extremely fine second phase using any of the aforementioned dispersal methodologies, thereby vastly increasing the waste anolyte interfacial contact area beyond that possible with an intact solid configuration and thus increasing the rate at which the waste is destroyed and the MEO efficiency.

In another preferred embodiment, increasing the surface area exposed to the anolyte enhances the destruction rate of non-anolyte solid organic waste. The destruction rate for any given concentration of oxidizer in solution in the anolyte is limited to the area of the solid with which the oxidizer can make contact. The embodiment used for solids will contain a mechanism for multiply puncturing the solid when it is placed in the anolyte reaction chamber basket. The punctures allow the oxidizer to penetrate into the interior of the solid by-passing difficult to destroy surface layers (e.g., skin, membranes. etc.) and increase the rate of destruction.

MEO Process Augmented with Free Radicals

The principals of the oxidation process used in this invention in which a free radical (e.g., O₂H, OH, SO₄, NO₃,) cleaves and oxidize organic compounds resulting in the formation of successively smaller hydrocarbon compounds. The intermediate compounds so formed are easily oxidized to carbon dioxide and water during sequential reactions.

Inorganic radicals are generated in aqueous solutions variants of the MEO process in this invention. Inorganic free radicals have been derived from carbonate, azide, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, phosphite, sulphite, sulphate, selenite, thiocyanate, chloride, bromide, iodide and formate ions. Organic free radicals, such as sulfhydryl, may be generated by the MEO process. When the MEO process in this invention is applied to organic materials they are broken down into intermediate organic compounds that are attacked by the aforementioned inorganic free radicals, producing organic free radicals, which contribute to the oxidation process and increase the efficiency of the MEO process.

SUMMARY

These and further and other objects and features of the invention are apparent in the disclosure, which includes the above and ongoing written specification, with the characteristics and drawings.

These and further and other objects and features of the invention are apparent in the disclosure, which includes the above and ongoing written specification, with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A MEO Apparatus Diagram is a schematic representation of a system for destroying waste materials and evolving hydrogen and oxygen as a by-product. These gases are feed to fuel cells and other hydrogen fuel consumer equipment. FIG. 1A is a representation of a general embodiment of the present invention (with the understanding that not all of the components shown therein must necessarily be employed in all situations and others may be added as needed for a particular application).

FIG. 1B Anolyte Reaction Chamber for Liquids, Mixtures, and Small Particulate and with Continuous Feed is a schematic representation of the anolyte reaction chamber used for waste fluids, and mixtures, which include small particulate. This chamber accommodates a continuous feed of these materials into the chamber.

FIG. 1C Anolyte Reaction Chamber for Solids, Mixtures, and Larger Particulate and with Batch Operation is a schematic representation of the anolyte reaction chamber used for waste solids, and mixtures that include large particulate. This chamber will be used for batch mode processing of wastes.

FIG. 1D Anolyte Reaction Chamber Remote is a schematic representation of the anolyte reaction chamber used for separating the anolyte reaction chamber from the basic MEO apparatus. This configuration allows the chamber to be a part of production line or similar use.

FIG. 1E Anolyte Reaction Chamber Exterior is a schematic representation of a container serving the role of the anolyte reaction chamber that is not a part of the MEO apparatus. Typical of such a container is a 50-gallon drum.

FIG. 2 MEO Controller is a schematic representation of the MEO electrical and electronic systems. FIG. 2 is a representation of a general embodiment of a controller for the present invention shown in FIG. 3 (with the understanding that not all of the components shown therein must necessarily be employed in all situations and others may be added as needed for a particular application).

FIG. 3 MEO System Model 5.b is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment using anolyte reaction chamber 5 b in the system shown in FIG. 1A. System Model 5.b is connected to a fuel cell to illustrate a typical use for this patent.

FIG. 4 MEO System Model 5.b Operational Steps is a schematic representation of the generalized steps of the process used in the MEO apparatus coupled to a fuel cell shown in FIG. 3 (with the understanding that not all of the components shown therein must necessarily be employed in all situations and others may be added as needed for a particular application).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

MEO Chemistry

Mediated Electrochemical Oxidation (MEO) process chemistry described in this patent uses oxidizer species (i.e., characteristic elements having atomic number below 90) as described in Table I (simple anions redox couple mediators); Type I IPAs formed by Mo, W, V, Nb, Ta, or mixtures there of as addenda atoms; Type I HPAs formed by incorporation into the aforementioned IPAs of any of the elements listed in Table II (heteroatoms) either singly or in combination thereof; or any HPA containing at least one heteroatom type (i.e., element) contained in both Table I and Table II; or combinations of mediator species from any or all of these generic groups. Since the anolyte and catholyte are completely separated entities, it is not necessary for both systems to contain the same electrolyte. Each electrolyte (anolyte and catholyte) may, independent of the other, consist of an aqueous solution of acids, typically but not limited to sulfuric, of phosphoric; alkali, typically but not limited to sodium or potassium hydroxide; or neutral salt typically but not limited to sodium or potassium salts of the aforementioned strong mineral acids.

The catholyte should not contain nitrogen and halogen anions. The reduction of these anions is thermodynamically favored over that of hydrogen and would interfere with effort to maximize the production of hydrogen gas at the cathode.

The MEO Apparatus is unique in that it accommodates the numerous choices of mediator ions and electrolytes by simply draining, flushing, and refilling the system with the mediator/electrolyte system of choice.

Because of redundancy and similarity in the description of the various mediator ions, only the iron and sulfuric acid combination is discussed in detail. However, it is to be understood that the following discussion of the ferric/ferrate, (Fe⁺³)/(FeO₄ ⁻²) redox couple reaction in sulfuric acid (HSO₄) also applies to all the aforementioned oxidizer species and electrolytes described at the beginning of this section. Furthermore, the following discussions of the interaction of ferrate ions with aqueous electrolytes to produce the aforementioned free radicals also applies to all aforementioned mediators having an oxidation potential sufficient to be classified superoxidizers (SO). An SO has an oxidation potential at least equal to that of the redox couple Ce⁺³/Ce⁺⁴ which has a potential of approximately 1.7 volts at 1 molar, 25° C. and pH 1 in an acid electrolyte.

FIG. 1A shows a MEO Apparatus in a schematic representation for destroying waste. At the anode of the electrochemical cell 25 Fe(III) ions (Fe⁺³, ferric) are oxidized to Fe(VI) ions (FeO₄ ², ferrate), Fe⁺³+4H₂O→>FeO₄ ⁻²+8H⁺+3e ⁻ If the anolyte temperature is sufficiently high, typically above 50° C., the Fe(VI) species may undergo a redox reaction with the water in the aqueous anolyte. The oxidation of water proceeds by a sequence of reactions producing a variety of intermediate reaction products, some of which react with each other. A few of these intermediate reaction products are highly reactive free radicals including, but not limited to the hydroxyl (.H) and hydrogen peroxy or perhydroxyl (.HO₂) radicals. Additionally, the mediated oxidizer species ions may interact with anions present in the acid or neutral salt electrolyte (e.g., SO₄ ⁻², or PO₄ ⁻³, etc.) to produce free radicals typified by, but not limited to .SO₄, or the anions may undergo direct oxidation at the anode of the cell. The population of hydroxyl free radicals may be increased by ultraviolet irradiation of the anolyte (see ultraviolet source 11) in the reaction chambers 5(a,b,c) and buffer tank 20 to cleave the hydrogen peroxide molecules, and intermediate reaction products, into two such radicals. Free radical populations is increased by ultrasonic vibration (see ultrasonic source 9) induced by the aforementioned implosion generated shock wave, augmented by the 4800° C. temperature spike and 1000 atmospheres pressure.

These secondary oxidation species are capable of oxidizing waste (biological and organic materials) and thus act in consort with Fe(VI) ions to oxidize the waste materials.

The oxidizers react with the waste to produce CO₂ and water. These processes occur in the anolyte on the anode side of the system in the reaction chambers 5(a,b,c,d), buffer tank 20, and throughout the anolyte system when in solution.

Addition of ferric ions to non-iron-based MEO systems has the potential for increasing the overall rate of waste oxidation compared to the non-iron MEO system alone. (Again it is to be understood this discussion of the ferric/ferrate redox couple also applies to all the aforementioned oxidizer species described at the beginning of this section.) For example consider a two step process the first of which is to electrochemically form a FeO₄ ⁻² ion. In the second step is the FeO₄ ⁻² ion oxidizes a mediator ion, from its reduced form (e.g., sulfate) to its oxidized form (e.g., peroxysulfate), faster than by the direct anodic oxidation of the sulfate ion itself. Thus there is an overall increase in the rate of waste destruction.

Membrane 27 separates the anode and the cathode chambers in the electrochemical cell 25. Hydrogen ions (H⁺) or hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) travel through the membrane 27 due to the electrical potential from the dc power supply 29 applied between the anode(s) 26 and cathodes(s) 28. In the catholyte the hydrogen ions are reduced to hydrogen gas

2H⁺+2e ⁻=H₂

The hydrogen ions (H⁺) or hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) will evolve as hydrogen gas at the cathode. The evolved hydrogen gas can be feed to devices that use hydrogen as a fuel such as the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell or other traditional hydrogen fuel consumer equipment.

In some cases oxygen is evolved at the anode due to the over voltage necessary to create the oxidation species of some of the mediator ions. The efficiency of these mediators is somewhat less under those conditions. The evolved oxygen can be feed to the devices that use hydrogen as a fuel such as the fuel cells. The efficiency of fuel cells deriving their oxygen supply from ambient air is increased by using the evolved oxygen to enrich the air above its nominal oxygen content of 20.9 percent.

The overall process results in the waste being converted to carbon dioxide, water, and a small amount of inorganic salts in solution or as a precipitate, which will be extracted by the inorganic compound removal and treatment system 15.

The MEO process may proceed until complete destruction of the waste has been affected or modified to stop the process at a point where the destruction of the waste is incomplete but: a) the organic materials are benign and do not need further treatment, or b) the organic materials may be used in the form they have been reduced to and thus would be recovered for that purpose.

The entireties of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,686,019; 4,749,519; 4,874,485; 4,925,643; 5,364,508; 5,516,972; 5,745,835; 5,756,874; 5,810,995; 5,855,763; 5,911,868; 5,919,350; 5,952,542; and 6,096,283 are included herein by reference for their relevant teachings.

MEO Apparatus

A schematic drawing of the MEO apparatus shown in FIG. 1A MEO Apparatus Diagram illustrates the application of the MEO process to the destruction of waste. The bulk of the anolyte resides in the anolyte reaction chambers 5(a,b,c) and the buffer tank 20. The anolyte portion of the electrolyte solution contains for example Fe⁺³/FeO₄ ⁻² redox couple anions and secondary oxidizing species (e.g., free radicals, H₂O₂, etc.).

The MEO apparatus FIG. 1A is composed of two separate closed-loop systems containing an electrolyte solution composed of anolyte and catholyte solutions. The anolyte and catholyte solutions are contained in the anolyte (A) system and the catholyte (B) system, respectively. The hydrogen and oxygen gases evolve from the cathode and anode respectively. The gases are feed to the fuel cell or other hydrogen fuel consumer equipment. These two systems are discussed in detail in the following paragraphs.

Anolyte System (A)

The waste is introduced into the anolyte reaction chamber where it is oxidized. The oxidation process produces the hydrogen or hydronium ions which pass through the membrane into the catholyte reaction chamber. The ions will be evolved into hydrogen gas for output to the fuel cell or other hydrogen fuel consuming equipment. Referring to FIG. 1A, the waste may be a liquid, solid, a mixture of solids and liquids, or combined waste. FIGS. 1B through 1E provide preferred embodiments of the anolyte reaction chambers 5(a), 5(b), 5(c), 5(d), and buffer tank 20.

The anolyte reaction chamber 5(a) in FIG. 1B is designed for liquids, small particulate and continuous feed operations. The waste is introduced into the anolyte reaction chamber 5(a) through the input pump 10 connected to the source of the waste to be destroyed. The waste is pumped into the chamber 5(a), which contains the anolyte used to destroy that waste. The apparatus continuously circulates the anolyte portion of the electrolyte directly from the electrochemical cell 25 through the reaction chamber 5(a) to maximize the concentration of oxidizing species contacting the waste. The anolyte is introduced into the anolyte reaction chamber 5(a) through the spray head 4(a) and stream head 4(b). The two heads are designed to increase the exposure of the waste to the anolyte by enhancing the mixing in the anolyte reaction chamber 5(a). Introducing the anolyte into the reaction chamber 5(a) as a spray onto the anolyte surface promotes contact with (i.e., oxidation of) any immiscible organic surface layers present. A filter 6 is located at the base of the reaction chamber 5(a) to limit the size of the solid particles to approximately 1 mm in diameter (i.e., smaller that the minimum dimension of the anolyte flow path in the electrochemical cell 25) thereby preventing solid particles large enough to clog the electrochemical cell 25 flow paths from exiting the reaction chamber 5(a). Contact of the oxidizing species with incomplete oxidation products that are gaseous at the conditions within the reaction chamber 5(a) may be further enhanced by using conventional techniques for promoting gas/liquid contact (e.g., ultrasonic vibration 9, mechanical mixing 7). An ultraviolet source 11 is introduced into the anolyte reaction chamber 5(a) to decompose the hydrogen peroxide formed by the MEO process into free hydroxyl radicals.

The anolyte reaction chamber 5(b) in FIG. 1C is designed for solids, mixtures and batch operations. The hinged lid 1 is lifted, and the top of the basket 3 is opened. The solid waste is introduced into the basket 3 in the reaction chamber 5(b) where the solid waste remains while the liquid portion of the waste flows into the anolyte. The basket 3 top is closed and the basket 3 is lowered by a lever 36 connected to the lid 1 into the anolyte such that all its contents are held submerged in the anolyte throughout the oxidization process. Lid 1 has a seal around the opening and it is locked before operation begins.

A mechanical device (penetrator 34) is incorporated into the basket 3 that create multiple perforations in the outer layers of the solid waste so that the anolyte can penetrate into the waste. This penetration speeds up the oxidation of the solid waste by increasing the surface area exposed to the anolyte oxidizer, and allowing said oxidizer immediate access to portions of the aforementioned waste that are encased in (i.e., protected by) more difficult to oxidize surrounding outer layers (e.g., hide, etc.).

The apparatus continuously circulates the anolyte portion of the electrolyte directly from the electrochemical cell 25 through the reaction chamber 5(b) to maximize the concentration of oxidizing species contacting the waste. The anolyte enter the reaction chamber 5(b) and is injected through two nozzles; one a spray head to distribute the anolyte throughout the reaction chamber 5(b), and the second is a stream head to promote circulation and turbulence in the anolyte in the chamber. An in-line screen filter 6 prevents solid particles large enough to clog the electrochemical cell 25 flow paths from exiting the reaction chamber 5. Introducing the anolyte into the reaction chamber 5(b) as a spray onto the anolyte surface promotes contact with (i.e., oxidation of) any immiscible organic surface layers present. A filter 6 is located at the base of the reaction chamber 5(b) to limit the size of the solid particles to approximately 1 mm in diameter (i.e., smaller that the minimum dimension of the anolyte flow path in the electrochemical cell 25) thereby preventing solid particles large enough to clog the electrochemical cell 25 flow paths from exiting the reaction chamber 5(b). Contact of the oxidizing species with incomplete oxidation products that are gaseous at the conditions within the reaction chamber 5(b) may be further enhanced by using conventional techniques for promoting gas/liquid contact (e.g., ultrasonic vibration 9, mechanical mixing 7). An ultraviolet source 11 is introduced into the anolyte reaction chamber 5(b) to decompose the hydrogen peroxide formed by the MEO process into free hydroxyl radicals.

The anolyte reaction chamber 5(c) in FIG. 1D is designed to use an anolyte reaction chamber that is exterior to the basic MEO apparatus. The chamber may be integrated into a production process to be used to destroy waste as a part of the process. The chamber may be connected to the basic MEO apparatus through tubing and a pumping system. The anolyte is pumped from the buffer tank 20 in the basic MEO apparatus by the pump 8 where it is introduced into the reaction chamber 5(b) through spray head 4 a as a spray onto the anolyte surface thereby promoting contact with (i.e., oxidation of) any immiscible organic surface layers present in addition to reacting with (i.e., oxidizing) the waste dissolved, suspended or submerged within the anolyte in the reaction chamber 5(c). The inlet to pump 8 is protected by an in-line screen filter 6 which prevents solid particles large enough to clog the spray head 4(a) from exiting the buffer tank 20. Contact of the oxidizing species with incomplete oxidation products that are gaseous at the conditions within the reaction chamber 5(c) may be further enhanced by using conventional techniques for promoting gas/liquid contact (e.g., ultrasonic vibration 9, mechanical mixing 7). An ultraviolet source 11 is introduced into the anolyte reaction chamber 5(c) to decompose the hydrogen peroxide formed by the MEO process into free hydroxyl radicals. The input pump 10 pumps the anolyte and waste liquid in the anolyte reaction chamber back to the buffer tank in the basic MEO apparatus through a return tube protected by an in-line screen filter 6 which prevents solid particles large enough to clog the spray head 4(a) from exiting the reaction chamber 5(c). A third tube is connected to the reaction chamber 5(c) to pump out any gas that is present from the original contents or from the MEO process. The gas is pumped by the air pump 32. The return gas tube is submerged in the buffer tank 20 in the basic MEO system so as to oxidize any volatile organic compounds in the gas to CO₂ before release to the gas cleaning system 16. Contact of the oxidizing species with incomplete oxidation products that are gaseous at the conditions within the reaction chamber 5(c) may be further enhanced by using conventional techniques for promoting gas/liquid contact (e.g., ultrasonic vibration 9, mechanical mixing 7). The apparatus continuously circulates the anolyte portion of the electrolyte directly from the electrochemical cell 25 through the buffer tank 20 to maximize the concentration of oxidizing species contacting the waste.

The hinged lid 1 is lifted, and the top of the basket 3 is opened. The organic waste is introduced into the basket 3 in the reaction chamber 5(c) where the solid waste remains while the liquid portion of the waste flows into the anolyte. The basket 3 top and the lid 1 are closed and lid 1 has a seal around the opening and it is locked before operation begins. With basket 3 lid closed, the basket 3 is lowered by a lever 36 connected to the lid 1 into the anolyte such that all of its contents are held submerged in the anolyte throughout the oxidization process.

A mechanical device (penetrator 34) may be incorporated into the basket 3 in the anolyte reaction chamber 5(c) that create multiple perforations in the outer portion of the solid waste so that the anolyte can rapidly penetrate into the interior of the waste. The penetrator 34 serves the same purpose it does in the anolyte reaction chamber 5(b) described in the foregoing section. A filter 6 is located at the base of the buffer tank 20 to limit the size of the solid particles to approximately 1 mm in diameter (i.e., smaller that the minimum dimension of the anolyte flow path in the electrochemical cell 25) thereby preventing solid particles large enough to clog the electrochemical cell 25 flow paths from exiting the buffer tank (20).

The anolyte reaction chamber 5(d) in FIG. 1E is designed to use a closed container exterior to the basic apparatus as the anolyte reaction chamber. FIG. 1E illustrates one example of an exterior container, which in this case is a metal vessel such as a 50-gallon steel drum containing waste. The drum may be connected to the basic MEO apparatus through tubing and a pumping system. The anolyte is pumped by the pump 8 from the buffer tank 20 in the basic MEO apparatus into the reaction chamber 5(d) where it reacts with the contents and oxidizes the waste. The anolyte stream is oscillated within the anolyte reaction chamber 5(d) to allow for thorough mixing and for cleaning of the walls of the chamber. The input pump 10 pumps the anolyte and waste liquid in the anolyte reaction chamber back to the buffer tank in the basic MEO apparatus through a return tube protected by an in-line screen filter 6 which prevents solid particles large enough to clog the spray head 4(a) from exiting the reaction chamber 5(d). A third tube is connected to the reaction chamber 5(d) through the air pump 32 to pump out any gas that is present from the original contents or from the MEO process. The return gas tube is submerged below the anolyte level in the buffer tank 20 in the basic MEO system so as to oxidize any volatile organic compounds in the gas to CO₂ before release to the gas cleaning system 16.

The anolyte from the electrochemical cell 25 is introduced into the buffer tank 20 through the spray head 4(a) and stream head 4(b). The two heads are designed to increase the exposure of the waste to the anolyte by enhancing the mixing in the anolyte reaction chambers 5(a,b). Introducing the anolyte into the buffer tank 20 as a spray onto the anolyte surface promotes contact with (i.e., oxidation of) any immiscible organic surface layers present.

The MEO apparatus continuously circulates the anolyte portion of the electrolyte directly from the electrochemical cell 25 into the buffer tank 20 to maximize the concentration of oxidizing species contacting the waste. A filter 6 is located at the base of the buffer tank 20 to limit the size of the solid particles to approximately 1 mm in diameter (i.e., smaller than the minimum dimension of the anolyte flow path in the electrochemical cell 25). Contact of the oxidizing species with incomplete oxidation products that are gaseous at the conditions within the buffer tank 20 may be enhanced by using conventional techniques for promoting gas/liquid contact (e.g., ultrasonic vibration 9, mechanical mixing 7). An ultraviolet source 11 is introduced into the buffer tank 20 to decompose the hydrogen peroxide formed by the MEO process into free hydroxyl radicals.

All surfaces of the apparatus in contact with the anolyte or catholyte are composed of stainless steel, glass, or nonreactive polymers (e.g., PTFE, PTFE lined tubing, etc). These materials provide an electrolyte containment boundary to protect the components of the MEO apparatus from being oxidized by the electrolyte.

The anolyte circulation system contains a pump 19 and a removal and treatment system 15 (e.g., filter, centrifuge, hydrocyclone, etc,) to remove any insoluble inorganic compounds that form as a result of mediator or electrolyte ions reacting with anions of or containing halogens, sulfur, phosphorous, nitrogen, etc. that may be present in the waste stream thus preventing formation of unstable compounds (e.g., perchlorates, etc.). The anolyte is then returned to the electrochemical cell 25, where the oxidizing species are regenerated, which completes the circulation in the anolyte system (A).

The residue of the inorganic compounds is flushed out of the treatment system 15 during periodic maintenance if necessary. If warranted, the insoluble inorganic compounds are converted to water-soluble compounds using any one of several chemical or electrochemical processes.

Waste is added to the reaction chambers 5(a,b,c) either continuously or in the batch mode depending on the anolyte reaction chamber configuration chosen.

The MEO system apparatus incorporates two methods that may control the rate of destruction of waste and control the order in which organic molecular bonds are broken. In the first method the anolyte temperature is initially at or below the operating temperature and subsequently increased by the thermal controls 21 and 22 until the desired operating temperature for the specific waste stream is obtained. In the second method the waste is introduced into the apparatus, with the concentration of electrochemically generated oxidizing species in the anolyte being limited to some predetermined value between zero and the maximum desired operating concentration for the waste stream by controlling the electric current in the electrochemical cell 25 with the DC power supply 29 and subsequently increased to the desired operating concentration. These two methods can be used in combination.

The electrolyte is composed of an aqueous solution of mediator species and electrolytes appropriate for the species selected and is operated within the temperature range from approximately 0° C. to slightly below the boiling point of the electrolytic solution, usually less then 100° C., at a temperature or temperature profile most conducive to the desired waste destruction rate (e.g., most rapid, most economical, etc.). The acid, alkaline, or neutral salt electrolyte used is determined by the conditions in which the species may exist.

Considerable attention has been paid to halogens, especially chlorine and their deleterious interactions with silver mediator ions, however this is of much less concern or importance to this invention for the following two reasons. First, the biological waste considered herein typically contains relatively small amounts of these halogen elements compared to the halogenated solvents and nerve agents addressed in the cited patents. Second, the wide range of properties (e.g., oxidation potential, solubility of compounds, cost, etc.) of the mediator species claimed in this patent allows selection of a single or mixture of mediators either avoiding formation of insoluble compounds, easily recovering the mediator from the precipitated materials, or being sufficiently inexpensive so as to allow the simple disposal of the insoluble compounds as waste, while still maintaining the capability to oxidize (i.e., destroy) the waste economically.

The waste destruction process may be monitored by several electrochemical and physical methods. First, various cell voltages (e.g., open circuit, anode vs. reference electrode, ion specific electrode, etc.) yield information about the ratio of oxidized to reduced mediator ion concentrations which may be correlated with the amount of reducing agent (i.e., waste) either dissolved in or wetted by the anolyte. Second, if a color change accompanies the transition of the mediator species between its oxidized and reduced states (e.g., heteropoly blues, etc.), the rate of decay of the color associated with the oxidized state, under zero current conditions, could be used as a gross indication of the amount of reducing agent (i.e., oxidizable waste) present. If no color change occurs in the mediator, it may be possible to select another mediator to simply serve as the oxidization potential equivalent of a pH indicator. Such an indicator is required to have an oxidation potential between that of the working mediator and the organic species, and a color change associated with the oxidization state transition.

The anolyte is circulated into the reaction chambers 5 (a,b,) and buffer tank 20 through the electrochemical cell 25 by pump 19 on the anode 26 side of the membrane 27. A membrane 27 in the electrochemical cell 25 separates the anolyte portion and catholyte portion of the electrolyte.

Small thermal control units 21 and 22 are connected to the flow stream to heat or cool the anolyte to the selected temperature range. If warranted a heat exchanger 23 can be located immediately upstream from the electrochemical cell 25 to lower the anolyte temperature within the cell to the desired level. Another heat exchanger 24 can be located immediately upstream of the anolyte reaction chamber inlet to control the anolyte temperature in the reaction chamber to within the desired temperature range to affect the desired chemical reactions at the desired rates.

The electrochemical cell 25 is energized by a DC power supply 29, which is powered by the AC power supply 30. The DC power supply 29 is low voltage high current supply usually operating below 4V DC but not limited to that range. The AC power supply 30 operates off a typical 110 v AC line for the smaller units and 240 v AC for the larger units.

The oxidizer species population produced by electrochemical generation (i.e., anodic oxidation) of the oxidized form of the redox couples referenced herein can be enhanced by conducting the process at low temperatures, thereby reducing the rate at which thermally activated parasitic reactions consume the oxidizer.

Reaction products resulting from the oxidation processes occurring in the anolyte system (A) that are gaseous at the anolyte operating temperature and pressure are discharged to the condenser 13. The more easily condensed products of incomplete oxidation are separated in the condenser 13 from the anolyte off-gas stream and are returned to the anolyte reaction chamber 5(a,b) or the buffer tank 20 for further oxidation. The non-condensable incomplete oxidation products (e.g., low molecular weight organics, carbon monoxide, etc.) are reduced to acceptable levels for atmospheric release by a gas cleaning system 16. The gas cleaning system 16 is not a necessary component of the MEO apparatus for the destruction of most types of waste.

If the gas cleaning system 16 is incorporated into the MEO apparatus, the anolyte off-gas is contacted in a counter current flow gas scrubbing system in the off-gas cleaning system 16, wherein the noncondensibles from the condenser 13 are introduced into the lower portion of the column through a flow distribution system of the gas cleaning system 16, and a small side stream of freshly oxidized anolyte direct from the electrochemical cell 25 is introduced into the upper portion of the column. This results in the gas phase continuously reacting with the oxidizing mediator species as it rises up the column past the down flowing anolyte. Under these conditions the gas about to exit the top of the column may have the lowest concentration of oxidizable species and also be in contact with the anolyte having the highest concentration of oxidizer species, thereby promoting reduction of any air pollutants present down to levels acceptable for release to the atmosphere or to the fuel cell. Gas-liquid contact within the column may be promoted by a number of well established methods (e.g., packed column, pulsed flow, ultrasonic mixing, etc,) that does not result in any meaningful backpressure within the anolyte flow system. Anolyte exiting the bottom of the countercurrent scrubbing column is discharged into the anolyte reaction chamber 5(a,b,c) or buffer tank 20 and mixed with the remainder of the anolyte. The major products of the oxidation process are CO₂, water, and minor amounts of CO and inorganic salts, where the CO₂ is vented 14 out of the system. In selected cases oxygen gas may evolve form the anode for use in a fuel cell.

An optional inorganic compound removal and treatment systems 15 is used should there be more than trace amount of halogens, or other precipitate forming anions present in the waste being processed, thereby precluding formation of unstable oxycompounds (e.g., perchlorates, etc.).

The MEO process proceeds until complete destruction of the waste has been affected or be modified to stop the process at a point where the destruction of the waste is incomplete. The reason for stopping the process is that: a) the organic materials are benign and do not need further treatment, or b) the organic materials may be used in the form they have been reduced and thus would be recovered for that purpose. The organic compounds recovery system 17 is used to perform this process.

Catholyte System (B)

The bulk of the catholyte is resident in the catholyte reaction chamber 31. To maximize the production of hydrogen gas at the cathode, or minimize the production of any other elements or chemical compounds in the catholyte, it is necessary that the 2H⁺+2e ⁻=H₂ predominates all other reactions at the cathode. The reduction of many nitrogen and halogen containing anions is thermodynamically favored over that of hydrogen. Therefore, the presence of nitrogen and halogen containing anions should be avoided unless they are in their lowest oxidation state (i.e., −3 and −1, respectively), thereby precluding their further reduction.

The catholyte portion of the electrolyte is circulated by pump 43 through the electrochemical cell 25 on the cathode 28 side of the membrane 27. The catholyte portion of the electrolyte flows into a catholyte reservoir 31. Small thermal control units 45 and 46 are connected to the catholyte flow stream to heat or cool the catholyte to the selected temperature range.

External air is introduced through an air sparge 37 into the catholyte reservoir 31, if necessary. Some catholyte systems may require air sparging to dilute hydrogen at times when the gas is not required. An off-gas cleaning system 39 may be used to remove any unwanted gas products mixed with the hydrogen. The cleaned gas stream, combined with the unreacted components of the air introduced into the system is discharged through the atmospheric vent 47. The hydrogen gas is output through the hydrogen output 38 to a fuel cell or other hydrogen fuel consuming equipment.

Optional anolyte recovery system 41 is positioned on the catholyte side. Some mediator oxidizer ions may cross the membrane 27 and this option is available if it is necessary to remove them through the anolyte recovery system 41 to maintain process efficiency or cell operability, or their economic worth necessitates their recovery. Operating the electrochemical cell 25 at higher than normal membrane 27 current densities (i.e., above about 0.5 amps/cm²) increases the rate of waste destruction, but also result in increased mediator ion transport through the membrane into the catholyte. It may be economically advantageous for the electrochemical cell 25 to be operated in this mode. It is advantageous whenever the replacement cost of the mediator species or removal/recovery costs are less than the cost benefits of increasing the waste throughput (i.e., oxidation rate) of the electrochemical cell 25. Increasing the capitol cost of expanding the size of the electrochemical cell 25 can be avoided by using this operational option.

MEO Controller

An operator runs the MEO Apparatus (FIG. 1A) by using the MEO Controller depicted in FIG. 2 MEO Controller. The controller 49 with microprocessor is connected to a monitor 51 and a keyboard 53. The operator inputs commands to the controller 49 through the keyboard 53 responding to the information displayed on the monitor 51. The controller 49 runs a program that sequences the steps for the operation of the MEO apparatus. The program has pre-programmed sequences of standard operations that the operator will follow or he will choose his own sequences of operations. The controller 49 allows the operator to select his own sequences within limits that assure a safe and reliable operation. The controller 49 sends digital commands that regulates the electrical power (AC 30 and DC 29) to the various components in the MEO apparatus; pumps 19 and 43, mixers 7 and 35, thermal controls 21, 22, 45, 46, ultraviolet sources 11, ultrasonic sources 9 and 48, CO₂ vent 14, air sparge 37, and electrochemical cell 25. The controller receives component response and status from the components. The controller sends digital commands to the sensors to access sensor information through sensor responses. The sensors in the MEO apparatus provide digital information on the state of the various components. Sensors measure flow rate 59, temperature 61, pH 63, CO₂, CO, O₂, venting 65, degree of oxidation 67, air sparge sensor 69, hydrogen output 38, etc. The controller 49 receives status information on the electrical potential (voltmeter 57) across the electrochemical cell, or individual cells if a multi-cell configuration, and between the anode(s) and reference electrodes internal to the cell(s) 25 and the current (ammeter 55) flowing between the electrodes within each cell.

Example System Model

A preferred embodiment, MEO System Model 5.b (shown in FIG. 3 MEO System Model 5.(b) is representative of a industrial or commercial application for the destruction of liquids and mixtures of small particles and liquid waste being feed from waste tank 42. This embodiment depicts a configuration using the system apparatus presented in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Other preferred embodiments (representing FIGS. 1B, 1D, and 1E) have differences in the external configuration and size but are essentially the same in internal function and components as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The preferred embodiment in FIG. 3 comprises a housing 72 constructed of metal or high strength plastic surrounding the electrochemical cell 25, the electrolyte and the foraminous basket 3. The AC power is provided to the AC power supply 30 by the power cord 78. A monitor screen 51 is incorporated into the housing 72 for displaying information about the system and about the waste being treated. Additionally, a control keyboard 53 is incorporated into the housing 72 for inputting information into the system. The monitor screen 51 and the control keyboard 53 may be attached to the system without incorporating them into the housing 72. In a preferred embodiment, status lights 73 are incorporated into the controller housing 71 for displaying information about the status of the treatment of the waste material. An air sparge 37 is incorporated into the housing 72 to allow air to be introduced into the catholyte reaction chamber 31 to dilute the hydrogen gas evolving at the cathode when it is not being supplied to a fuel cell or other hydrogen fuel consuming system. Hydrogen gas is released through the hydrogen output 38 directly to a fuel cell or other hydrogen fuel consuming system. In addition, a CO₂ vent 14 is incorporated into the housing 72 to allow for CO₂ release from the anolyte reaction chamber via the gas cleaning system 16 housed within. When oxygen gas is evolved at the anode it is input to the fuel cell through oxygen input 40.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing includes means for cleaning out the MEO waste treatment system, including a flush(s) 18 and drain(s) 12 through which the anolyte and catholyte will pass. The preferred embodiment further comprises an atmospheric vent 47 facilitating the releases of gases into the atmosphere from the catholyte reaction chamber 31 via the gas cleaning system 39. Other preferred embodiment systems are similar in nature but are scaled up in size to handle a larger capacity of waste, such as incinerator replacement units.

The system has a control keyboard 53 for input of commands and data. The On/Off button 74 is used to turn the apparatus power on and off. There is a monitor screen 51 to display the systems operation and functions. Below the keyboard 53 and monitor screen 51 are the status lights 73 for on, off, and standby.

Waste is introduced into the anolyte reaction chambers 5(a) as depicted in FIG. 1B. In the case of liquids, mixtures, and continuous feed operation, the waste is pumped using input pump 10 in the anolyte reaction chamber 5(a). The flow of the waste is controlled by the controller where the destruction of the waste is monitored. The hoist 91 positions the input line 93 from the waste source (i.e., waste tank 42). Lid 1 is closed and lid stop 2 keeps the lid opening controlled. The hinged lid 1 is equipped with a locking latch 76 that is operated by the controller 49.

In the chamber 5(a) is the aqueous acid, alkali, or neutral salt electrolyte and mediated oxidizer species solution in which the oxidized form of the mediator redox couple initially may be present or may be generated electrochemically after introduction of the waste and application of DC power 29 to the electrochemical cell 25. Similarly, the waste may be introduced when the anolyte is at or below room temperature, operating temperature or some optimum intermediate temperature. DC power supply 29 provides direct current to an electrochemical cell 25. Pump 19 circulates the anolyte portion of the electrolyte and the waste material is rapidly oxidized at temperatures below 100° C. and at ambient pressure. An in-line filter 6 prevents solid particles large enough to clog the electrochemical cell 25 flow paths from exiting this anolyte reaction chamber 5(a). The oxidation process will continue to break the materials down into smaller and smaller molecules until the products are CO₂, water, and some CO and inorganic salts. The oxidation process produces hydrogen and hydronium ions which pass through the membrane into the catholyte reaction chamber. The hydrogen and hydronium ions are evolved in to hydrogen gas at the cathode in the catholyte reaction chamber 31. The hydrogen gas exits the catholyte reaction chamber 31 through the hydrogen input 38 to the fuel cell. An additional product of the oxidation process is oxygen gas that may evolve at the anode. The oxygen gas exits the anolyte reach chamber 5(a) through the oxygen input 36 to the fuel cell.

Any residue is pacified in the form of a salt and may be periodically removed through the Inorganic Compound Removal and Treatment System 15 and drain outlets 12. The basic design of the MEO apparatus permits the user to change the type of electrolyte without having to alter the equipment in the apparatus. The changing of the electrolyte is accomplished by using the drain(s) 12 and flush(s) 18 or by opening the anolyte reaction chamber 5(a) and catholyte reaction chamber 31 to introduce the electrolyte(s). The ability to change the type of electrolyte(s) allows the user to tailor the MEO process to differing waste properties. The catholyte reservoir 31 has a screwed top 33 (shown in FIG. 1A), which allow access to the reservoir 31 for cleaning and maintenance by service personnel.

The MEO process advantageous properties of low power consumption and very low loses of the mediated oxidizer species and electrolyte, provide as an option for the device to be operated at a low power level during the day to achieve a slow rate of destruction of the waste throughout the day. While the MEO apparatus is in this mode, waste is added as it is generated throughout the day and the unit placed in full activation during non-business hours.

The compactness of the device makes it ideal for small and mid-size applications as well as being suitable for use with high volume inputs of industrial processes activities. The process operates at low temperature and ambient atmospheric pressure and does not generate toxic compounds during the destruction of the waste, making the process indoors compatible. The system is scalable to a unit large enough to replace a hospital incinerator system. The CO₂ oxidation product from the anolyte system A is vented out the CO₂ vent 14. The hydrogen gas evolves at the cathode from the hydrogen ion from the oxidation process. The hydrogen gas in the catholyte system B is vented through the hydrogen output 38 to a fuel cell or other hydrogen fuel consuming system.

Steps of the Operation of the MEO System Model 5.b

The steps of the operation of the MEO process are depicted in FIG. 4 MEO System 5.b Operational Steps These operational steps are presented to illustrate the operation of one of the MEO apparatus' (using anolyte reaction chamber 5(a) from the four configurations previously discussed for oxidizing the various types of waste. When other anolyte reaction chambers 5(b,c,d) configurations are used the series of steps would be similar to the ones for FIG. 1C which covers solids, mixtures of solids and liquids being processed in a batch feed mode.

This MEO apparatus is contained in the housing 72. The MEO system is started 81 by the operator engaging the ‘ON’ button 74 on the control keyboard 53. The system controller 49, which contains a microprocessor, runs the program that controls the entire sequence of operations 82. The monitor screen 51 displays the steps of the process in the proper sequence. The status lights 73 on the panel provide the status of the MEO apparatus (e.g. on, off, ready, standby).

The waste is introduced into the anolyte reaction chambers 5(a) as depicted in FIG. 1B. In the case of liquids, mixtures, and continuous operation, input pump 1 is operated and the waste is placed 83 in the basket 3, whereupon the liquid portion flows into the anolyte. The locking latch 76 is activated.

The pumps 19 and 43 begin circulation 85 of the anolyte 87 and catholyte 89, respectively. As soon as the electrolyte circulation is established throughout the system, the mixers 7 and 35 begin to operate 91 and 93. Depending upon waste characteristics (e.g., reaction kinetics, heat of reaction, etc.) it may be desirable to introduce the waste into a room temperature or cooler anolyte system with little or none of the mediator redox couple in the oxidized form. Once flow is established the thermal controls units 21, 22, 45, and 46 are turned on 95/97, initiating predetermined anodic oxidation and electrolyte heating programs.

The electrochemical cell 25 is energized 94 (by electrochemical cell commands 56) to apply the correct voltage and current as is monitored by the voltmeter 57 and ammeter 55 determined by the controller program. The input pump 10 is activated and the waste in brought into the anolyte reaction chamber 5(a). By using programmed electrical power levels and electrolyte temperature it is possible to maintain a predetermined waste destruction rate profile such as a relatively constant reaction rate as the more reactive waste components are oxidized, thus resulting in the remaining waste becoming less and less reactive, thereby requiring more and more vigorous oxidizing conditions.

The ultrasonic sources 9 and 48 and ultraviolet systems 11 are activated 99 and 101 in the anolyte reaction chambers 5(a) and catholyte reaction chamber 31 respectively, if those options are chosen in the controller program.

The CO₂ vent 14 is activated 103 to release CO₂ from the waste oxidation process in the anolyte reaction chambers 5(a). Hydrogen gas is released 105 through the hydrogen output 38 to a fuel cell or other hydrogen fuel consuming system. If the hydrogen is not being used as a fuel, the air sparge 37 draws air into the catholyte reaction chamber 31, and the air is discharged out the atmospheric vent 47 to dilute the hydrogen gas for release into the atmosphere.

The progress of the destruction process may be monitored in the controller (oxidation detector 67) by various cell voltages 57 and currents 55, (e.g., open circuit, anode vs. reference electrode, ion specific electrodes, etc,) as well as monitoring anolyte off-gas (using the sensor 65) composition for CO₂, CO and oxygen content.

When the oxidation sensors 65 and 67 determine the desired degree of waste destruction has been obtained 107, the system goes to standby 109. The system operator executes system shutdown 111 using the controller keyboard 53.

While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, modifications and variations of the invention may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

The following examples illustrate the application of the process and the apparatus.

Example (1) Destruction of Food Waste

The environmental effects of food waste disposal methods are a concern, particularly with respect to surface water and ground water quality and to air quality as affected by odors and gaseous emissions from large-scale food production operations.

Samples of various types of food waste was collected for test purposes. The samples included cooked and uncooked meat and bone. The samples tested in the MEO apparatus were from poultry and cattle food processing. The MEO apparatus was operated at 50° C. for each samples tested. The food waste was totally destroyed producing water and CO₂. There was a small amount of inorganic salt remaining in the settling tank of the MEO apparatus after completion of the destruction.

Food waste is a good candidate for the waste to be used to generate hydrogen fuel and at the same time dispose of the undesirable food waste.

Example (2) Efficient and Environmentally Safe Products

The MEO process produces CO₂, water, and trace inorganic salts all of which are considered benign for introduction into the environment by regulatory agencies. The cost of using the MEO process in this invention is competitive with both the incineration and landfill methodologies. The MEO process is uniquely suited for destruction of waste because water, which constitutes a major portion of this waste (e.g., tissue, bodies fluids, etc.) is either benign or actually a source of secondary oxidizing species, rather than parasitic reactions competing for the mediator oxidizing species. Furthermore, the energy that must be provided in the MEO process to heat the waste stream water component from ambient to the electrolyte operating temperature (i.e., 80° C. maximum temperature increase) is trivial compared to the water enthalpy increase required in autoclave or incineration based processes.

The generation of hydrogen fuel from the destruction of the waste has several highly desirable features. First the MEO process converts the waste in to environmental friendly products (e.g., CO₂, water, and trace inorganic salts) in the anolyte reaction chamber. Second, the resulting hydrogen produced in the catholyte reaction chamber is environmentally friendly as well. The hydrogen combining with oxygen in the fuel cell or in other hydrogen fuel consuming equipment produces as by-product only water.

Example (3) Benign In-door Operation

The system is unique relative to earlier art, since it is built to operate in an indoor environment such as a production or assembly line where it must be compatible with people working in close proximity to the system. The system is suitable for indoor use in spaces inhabited by personnel as well as for industrial workspaces similar to an incinerator building.

Example (4) Inheritantly Safe Operation

The system is built to require limited operating skill. The system controller is programmed to guide the operator through the normal operating cycle as well as the various options available. The system is accessible during its operating cycle so that additional waste may be added to waste in process, while remaining compatible with the room environment. When new waste is to be added to the system during operation the operator selects that option, the system controller recycles the system operational steps back to step 83. The controller deactivates steps 85, 87, 89, 91, 93, 94, 95, 97, 99, 101 and maintains steps 103 and 105 in their active mode. The controller releases the locking latch 76 and the operator adds additional waste. After the operator has completed the addition he selects the restart option. The system recycles back through these steps to continue the processing of the waste.

Example (5) Chemical Reactions are Safe

The system is built to operate with materials that are safe to handle in the environment in which it is to be used. The waste contains little or no substances that react with our choice of electrolytes to produce volatile compounds that offer a problem in the room environment. The system may operate at temperatures from approximately 0° C. to slightly less then the boiling point of the electrolyte (i.e., usually less then 100° C.) and at ambient atmospheric pressure, which adds to the indoor compatibility.

Example (6) A Green Machine

The simplicity of the new system built for use with waste produces a system more economically to operate and cleaner to use than existing waste treatments. The system complexity is reduced by comparison to previous MEO systems, since there is not a requirement to deal with large quantities of halogens. The operating temperature range is a particularly attractive feature in that it does not operate in a range where toxic organic gases can be generated as a by-product. The system is truly a ‘green machine’ in the sense of an environmentally benign system.

Example (7) System Flexibility

The system is built so that the composition of the electrolyte may be changed to adapt the system to a selected composition of the waste stream. Different types of waste can be processed by the same system by either using the same electrolyte or replacing the mediator and electrolyte (either or both the catholyte and anolyte) more suitable for the alternative waste. The system is configured with ports to flush and drain the anolyte and catholyte separately. The mediator anolyte redox couples do not react with the waste and become consumed in the process. The loss of mediator anolyte redox couples is very small thus impacting the cost of operation in a positive way.

Example (8) System By-Products are Safe

The system flexibility provides for the introduction of more then one mediator ion resulting in marked improvement in the efficiency of the electrolyte. Furthermore, the wide choice of mediators listed in Table I or available as POMs, and electrolytes in this patent, desensitizes the system to the formation of participates in solution (i.e. allows increased ease in preventing formation of unstable oxy compounds).

While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, modifications and variations of the invention may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the following characteristics and features.

The invention provides the following new characteristics and features:

1. A process for the use the mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) on biological and organic waste materials to produce hydrogen and oxygen comprising disposing an electrolyte in an electrochemical cell, separating the electrolyte into an anolyte portion and a catholyte portion with an ion-selective membrane or semi-permeable membrane or ceramic membrane or sintered glass frit, applying a direct current voltage between the anolyte portion and the catholyte portion, placing the waste materials in the anolyte portion, and oxidizing the waste materials in the anolyte portion with a mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) process producing hydrogen at the cathode and oxygen at the anode, wherein the anolyte portion further comprises a mediator in aqueous solution and the electrolyte is an acid, neutral or alkaline aqueous solution.

2. The process of paragraph 1, wherein:

-   -   a. the anolyte portion further comprises one or more simple         anions mediator ions species selected from the group described         in Table I (in the aqueous solution and the electrolyte is an         acid, neutral or alkaline solution;     -   b. the oxidizing species are selected from one or more Type I         isopolyanions (i.e., complex anion redox couple mediators)         containing tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, or         combinations thereof as addenda atoms in aqueous solution and         the electrolyte is an acid, neutral or alkaline aqueous         solution;     -   c. the oxidizing species are selected from one or more Type I         heteropolyanions formed by incorporation into the aforementioned         isopolyanions, as heteroatoms, any of the elements listed in         Table II, either singly or in combination thereof in the aqueous         solutions and the electrolyte is an acid, neutral, or alkaline         aqueous solution;     -   d. the oxidizing species are selected from one or more of any         heteropolyanions containing at least one heteroatom type (i.e.,         element) contained in both Table I and Table II in the aqueous         solutions and the electrolyte is an acid, neutral, or alkaline         aqueous solution;     -   e. the oxidizing species are selected from combinations of anion         redox couple mediators from any or all of the previous four         subparagraphs (2a., 2b., 2c., and 2d.);     -   f. adding stabilizing compounds to the electrolyte such as         tellurate or periodate ions which serve to overcome and         stabilize the short lifetime of the oxidized form of the higher         oxidation state species of the simple and complex anion redox         couple mediators;     -   g. each of the species has normal valence states and higher         valence oxidizing states and further comprising creating the         higher valence oxidizing states of the oxidizing species by         stripping electrons from normal valence state species in the         electrochemical cell;     -   h. the oxidizing species are “super oxidizers” (SO) typically         exhibit oxidation potentials at least equal to that of the         Ce⁺³/Ce⁺⁴ redox couple (i.e., 1.7 volts at 1 molar, 25° C. and         pH 1) which are redox couple species that have the capability of         producing free radicals such as hydroxyl or perhydroxyl and         further comprising creating secondary oxidizers by reacting the         SO's with water;     -   i. using an alkaline solution for aiding decomposing of the         waste materials derived from the saponification (i.e., base         promoted ester hydrolysis) of fatty acids to form water soluble         alkali metal salts of the fatty acids (i.e., soaps) and         glycerin, a process similar to the production of soap from         animal fat by introducing it into a hot aqueous lye solution.;     -   j. using an alkaline anolyte solution that absorbs CO₂ forming         from oxidation of the waste sodium bicarbonate/carbonate         solution which subsequently circulates through the         electrochemical cell, producing a percarbonate oxidizer;     -   k. using oxidizing species from the MEO process inorganic free         radicals will be generated in aqueous solutions from species         such as but not limited to carbonate, azide, nitrite, nitrate,         phosphite, phosphate, sulfite, sulfate, selenite, thiocyanate,         chloride, bromide, iodide, and formate oxidizing species;     -   l. the regeneration of the oxidizer part of the redox couple in         the anolyte portion is done within the electrochemical cell;     -   m. the membrane (separator between anolyte and catholyte         solutions) can be microporous plastic, sintered glass frit,         etc.;     -   n. the impression of an AC voltage upon the DC voltage to retard         the formation of cell performance limiting surface films on the         electrode;     -   o. disposing a foraminous basket in the anolyte;     -   p. the oxidizer species addressed in this patent are described         in: Table I (simple anions); Type I isopolyanions containing         tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, or         combinations thereof as addenda atoms; Type I heteropolyanions         formed by incorporation into the aforementioned isopolyanions,         as heteroatoms, any of the elements listed in Table II, either         singly or in combinations thereof; or any heteropolyanions         containing at least one heteroatom type (i.e., element)         contained in both Table I and Table II;     -   q. oxygen gas evolving from the anode is feed to a fuel cell         such as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell.     -   r. lower the temperature (e.g. between 0° C. and room         temperature) of the anolyte before it enters the electrochemical         cell to enhance the generation of the oxidized form of the anion         redox couple mediator; and     -   s. raise the temperature of the anolyte entering the anolyte         reaction chamber to affect the desired chemical reactions at the         desired rates following the lowering of the temperature of the         anolyte entering the electrochemical cell.

3. The process of paragraph 1, wherein:

-   -   a. introducing an ultrasonic energy into the anolyte portion         rupturing cell membranes in the biological waste materials by         momentarily raising local temperature within the cell membranes         with the ultrasonic energy to above several thousand degrees and         causing cell membrane failure;     -   b. introducing ultraviolet energy into the anolyte portion and         decomposing hydrogen peroxide and ozone into hydroxyl free         radicals therein, thereby increasing efficiency of the MEO         process by converting products of electron consuming parasitic         reactions (i.e., ozone and hydrogen peroxide) into viable free         radical (i.e., secondary) oxidizers without the consumption of         additional electrons;     -   c. using a surfactant to be added to the anolyte promote         dispersion of the waste or intermediate stage reaction products         within the aqueous solution when these waste or reaction         products are not water-soluble and tend to form immiscible         layers;     -   d. using simple and/or complex redox couple mediators, and         attacking specific organic molecules with the oxidizing species         while operating at low temperatures thus preventing the         formation of dioxins and furans;     -   e. breaking down waste materials into intermediate organic         compounds and attacking the organic compounds using either the         simple and/or complex anion redox couple mediator or inorganic         free radicals to generating organic free radicals;     -   f. raising normal valence state anions to a higher valence state         and stripping the normal valence state anions of electrons in         the electrochemical cell; [The oxidized forms of any other redox         couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation         or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples         present. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the         waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced         form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the         aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues];     -   g. circulating anions through an electrochemical cell to affect         the anodic oxidation of the reduced form of the reversible redox         couple into the oxidized form;     -   h. contacting anions with waste materials in the anolyte         portion;     -   i. circulating anions through the electrochemical cell;     -   j. involving anions with an oxidation potential above a         threshold value of 1.7 volts at 1 molar, 25° C. and pH 1 (i.e.,         super oxidizer) in a secondary oxidation process and producing         oxidizers;     -   k. adding a ultraviolet (UV) energy source to the anolyte         portion and augmenting secondary oxidation processes, breaking         down hydrogen peroxide and ozone into hydroxyl free radicals,         and thus increasing the oxidation processes; and     -   l. the oxidizer species addressed in this patent are described         in Table I (simple anions redox couple mediators): Type I IPAs         formed by Mo, W, V, Nb, Ta, or mixtures there of; Type I HPAs         formed by incorporation into the aforementioned IPAs if any of         the elements listed in Table II (heteroatoms) either singly or         in thereof; Or any HPA containing at least one heteroatom type         (i.e., element) contained in both Table I and Table II or         combinations mediator species from any or all of these generic         groups.

4. The process of paragraph 1, further comprising:

-   -   a. using oxidizer species that are found in situ in the, waste         to be destroyed, by circulating the waste-anolyte mixture         through an electrochemical cell where the oxidized form of the         in situ reversible redox couple will be formed by anodic         oxidation or alternately reacting with the oxidized form of a         more powerful redox couple, if added to the anolyte and         anodically oxidized in the electrochemical cell, thereby         destroying the waste material;     -   b. using an alkaline electrolyte, such as but not limited to         NaOH or KOH with mediator species wherein the reduced form of         said mediator redox couple displays sufficient solubility in         said electrolyte to allow the desired oxidation of the waste to         proceed at a practical rate. The oxidation potential of redox         reactions producing hydrogen ions (i.e., both mediator species         and organic waste molecules reactions) are inversely         proportional to the electrolyte pH, thus with the proper         selection of a mediator redox couple, it is possible, by         increasing the electrolyte pH, to minimize the electric         potential required to affect the desired oxidation process,         thereby reducing the electric power consumed per unit mass of         waste destroyed;     -   c. the aqueous solution is chosen from acids such as but not         limited to sulfuric acid, or phosphoric acid, or mixtures         thereof; or alkalines such as but not limited to of sodium         hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof, or         neutral electrolytes, such as but not limited to sodium or         potassium sulfates, or phosphates or mixtures thereof; and     -   d. the use of ultrasonic energy induce microscopic bubble         implosion which is used to affect a desired reduction in sized         of the individual second phase waste volumes dispersed in the         anolyte.

5. The process of paragraph 1, further comprising:

-   -   a. interchanging oxidizing species in a preferred embodiment         without changing equipment; and     -   b. the electrolyte is acid, neutral, or alkaline in aqueous         solution.

6. The process of paragraph 1, further comprising:

-   -   a. separating the anolyte portion and the catholyte portion with         a ion-selective or semi-permeable membrane, or microporous         polymer membrane, ceramic membrane, or sintered glass frit, or         other similar membrane;     -   b. applying an externally induced electrical potential induced         between the anode(s) and cathode(s) plates of the         electrochemical cell at a electrical potential sufficient to         form the oxidized form of the redox couple having the highest         oxidation potential in the anolyte;     -   c. introducing waste materials into the anolyte portion;     -   d. forming the reduced form of one or more reversible redox         couples by contacting with oxidizable molecules, the reaction         with which oxidizes the oxidizable material with the concuminent         reduction of the oxidized form of the reversible redox couples         to their reduced form;     -   e. the ultrasonic source connected to the anolyte for augmenting         secondary oxidation processes by momentarily heating the         hydrogen peroxide in the electrolyte to 4800° C. at 1000         atmospheres thereby dissociating the hydrogen peroxide into         hydroxyl free radicals thus increasing the oxidation processes;     -   f. oxidation potentials of redox reactions producing hydrogen         ions are inversely related to pH;     -   g. the process is performed at a temperature from slightly above         0° C. to slightly below the boiling point of the electrolyte         usually less then 100° C.;     -   h. the temperature at which the process is performed is varied;     -   i. the treating and oxidizing waste comprises treating and         oxidizing solid waste;     -   j. the treating and oxidizing waste comprises treating and         oxidizing liquid waste;     -   k. the treating and oxidizing waste comprises treating and         oxidizing a combination of liquids and solids; and     -   l. removing and treating precipitates resulting from         combinations of oxidizing species and other species released         from the waste during destruction.

7. The process of paragraph 1, further comprising that it is not necessary for both the anolyte and catholyte solutions to contain the same electrolyte rather each electrolyte system may be independent of the other, consisting of an aqueous solution of acids, typically but not limited to sulfuric or phosphoric; alkali, typically but not limited to sodium or potassium hydroxide; or neutral salt, typically but not limited to sodium or potassium salts of the afore mentioned strong acids.

8. The process of paragraph 1, further comprising the operating of the electrochemical cell at a current density greater then 0.5 amp per square centimeter across the membrane, even though this is the limit over which there is the possibility that metallic anions may leak through the membrane in small quantities, and recovering the metallic anions through a devise such as a resin column thus allowing a greater rate of destruction of materials in the anolyte chamber.

9. The process of paragraph 1, wherein:

-   -   a. the catholyte solution further comprises an aqueous solution         and the electrolyte in the solution is composed of acids,         typically but not limited to sulfuric or phosphoric; or alkali,         typically but not limited to sodium or potassium hydroxide; or         neutral salt, typically but not limited to sodium or potassium         salts of the afore mentioned strong acids;     -   b. concentration of electrolyte in the catholyte is governed by         its effect upon the conductivity of the catholyte solution         desired in the electrochemical cell;     -   c. ultrasonic energy induced microscopic bubble implosion is         used to affect vigorous mixing in the catholyte solution where         it is desirable to oxidize compounds generated in the catholyte         electrolyte;     -   d. mechanical mixing is used to affect vigorous mixing in the         catholyte solution where it is desirable to oxidize compounds         generated in the catholyte;     -   e. air is introduced into the catholyte solution to promote         oxidation of compounds generated where it is desirable in the         catholyte electrolyte;     -   f. air is introduced into the catholyte solution to dilute any         hydrogen produced in the catholyte solution before being         released; and     -   g. hydrogen gas evolving from the cathode is feed to an         apparatus that uses hydrogen as a fuel such as a proton exchange         membrane (PEM) fuel cell.

10. An apparatus for treating and oxidizing waste materials comprising an electrochemical cell, an electrolyte disposed in the electrochemical cell, a hydrogen or hydronium ion-permeable membrane, disposed in the electrochemical cell for separating the cell into anolyte and catholyte chambers and separating the electrolyte into anolyte and catholyte portions, electrodes further comprising an anode(s) and a cathode(s) disposed in the electrochemical cell respectively in the anolyte and catholyte chambers and in the anolyte and catholyte portions of the electrolyte, a power supply connected to the anode and the cathode for applying a direct current voltage between the anolyte and the catholyte portions of the electrolyte, a foraminous basket disposed in the anolyte chamber for receiving the waste materials, and oxidizing of the waste materials in the anolyte portion with a mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) process wherein the anolyte portion further comprises a mediator in aqueous solution and the electrolyte is an acid, neutral or alkaline aqueous solution.

11. The apparatus of paragraph 10, wherein:

-   -   a. adding stabilizing compounds to the electrolyte such as         tellurate or periodate ions which serve to overcome and         stabilize the short lifetime of the oxidized form of the higher         oxidation state species of the simple and complex anion redox         couple mediators;     -   b. the oxidizer species addressed in this patent are described         in Table I (simple anions redox couple mediators);     -   c. the oxidizer species addressed in this patent are; Type I         IPAs formed by Mo, W, V, Nb, Ta, or mixtures there of; Type I         HPAs formed by incorporation into the aforementioned IPAs if any         of the elements listed in Table II (heteroatoms) either singly         or in thereof; Or any HPA containing at least one heteroatom         type (i.e., element) contained in both Table I and Table II;     -   d. the oxidizer species addressed in this patent are         combinations mediator species from any or all of these generic         groups;     -   e. the oxidizing species are super oxidizers and further         comprising the creation of secondary oxidizers by reacting with         the super oxidizers in the aqueous anolyte;     -   f. an alkaline solution for aiding decomposing the waste         materials;     -   g. an alkaline solution for absorbing CO₂ and forming alkali         metal bicarbonate/carbonate for circulating through the         electrochemical cell for producing a percarbonate oxidizer;     -   h. using oxidizing species from the MEO process inorganic free         radicals will be generated in aqueous solutions derived from         carbonate, azide, nitrite, nitrate, phosphite, phosphate,         sulfite, sulfate, selenite, thiocyanate, chloride, bromide,         iodide, and formate oxidizing species;     -   i. organic free radicals for aiding the MEO process and breaking         down the organic waste materials into simpler (i.e., smaller         molecular structure) organic compounds;     -   j. anions with an oxidation potential above a threshold value of         1.7 volts at 1 molar, 25° C. and pH 1 (i.e., super oxidizer) for         involving in a secondary oxidation process for producing         oxidizers;     -   k. the use of Ultrasonic energy induce microscopic bubble         implosion which is used to affect a desired reduction in sized         of the individual second phase waste volumes dispersed in the         anolyte;     -   l. membrane is ion-selective or semi-permeable (i.e.,         microporous plastic, ceramic, sintered glass frit, etc.); and     -   m. with the possible impression of an AC voltage upon the DC         voltage to retard the formation of cell performance limiting         surface films on the electrode.

12. The apparatus of paragraph 10, wherein:

-   -   a. each of the oxidizing species has normal valence states         (i.e., reduced form of redox couple) and higher valence         oxidizing states and further comprising creating the higher         valence oxidizing states (i.e., oxidized form of redox couple)         of the oxidizing species by stripping and reducing electrons off         normal valence state species in the electrochemical cell;     -   b. using species that are usable in alkaline solutions since         oxidation potentials of redox reactions producing hydrogen ions         are inversely related to pH which reduces the electrical power         required to destroy the waste;     -   c. further oxidizing species, and attacking specific organic         molecules with the oxidizing species while operating at         temperatures sufficiently low so as to preventing the formation         of dioxins and furans;     -   d. energizing the electrochemical cell at a voltage level         sufficient to form the oxidized form of the redox couple having         the highest oxidation potential in the anolyte;     -   e. lower the temperature (e.g. between 0° C. and room         temperature) of the anolyte with the heat exchanger before it         enters the electrochemical cell to enhance the generation of the         oxidized form of the anion redox couple mediator; and     -   f. raise the temperature of the anolyte entering the anolyte         reaction chamber with the heat exchanger to affect the desired         chemical reactions at the desired rates following the lowering         of the temperature of the anolyte entering the electrochemical         cell.

13. The apparatus of paragraph 10, wherein:

-   -   a. the oxidizing species are one or more Type I isopolyanions         (i.e., complex anion redox couple mediators) containing         tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, or         combinations thereof as addenda atoms in aqueous solution and         the electrolyte is an acid, neutral or alkaline aqueous         solution;     -   b. the oxidizing species are one or more Type I heteropolyanions         formed by incorporation into the aforementioned isopolyanions,         as heteroatoms, any of the elements listed in Table II, either         singly or in combination thereof in the aqueous solutions and         the electrolyte is an acid, neutral, or alkaline aqueous         solution;     -   c. the oxidizing species are one or more of any heteropolyanions         containing at least one heteroatom type (i.e., element)         contained in both Table I and Table II in the aqueous solutions         and the electrolyte is an acid, neutral, or alkaline aqueous         solution;     -   d. the oxidizing species are combinations of anion redox couple         mediators from any or all of the previous three subparagraphs         (13a., 13b., and 13c.);     -   e. the oxidizing species are higher valence state of species         found in situ for destroying the waste material; and     -   f. the electrolyte is an acid, neutral, or alkaline aqueous         solution.

14. The apparatus of paragraph 10, further comprising:

-   -   a. the aqueous solution is chosen from acids such as but not         limited to sulfuric acid, or phosphoric acid; alkalines such as         but not limited to sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide; or         neutral electrolytes such as but not limited to sodium or         potassium sulfates, or phosphates;     -   b. with an ion-selective or semi-permeable (i.e., microporous         plastic, ceramic, sintered glass frit, etc.) membrane for         separating the anolyte portion and the catholyte portion while         allowing hydrogen or hydronium ion passage from the anolyte to         the catholyte;     -   c. oxidation potentials of redox reactions producing hydrogen         ions are inversely related to pH;     -   d. the waste is liquid waste;     -   e. the waste is solid waste;     -   f. the waste is a combination of liquids and solids and         non-waste; and     -   g. oxidizing species may be interchanged in a preferred         embodiment without changing equipment.

15. The apparatus of paragraph 10, further comprising:

-   -   a. a anolyte reaction chamber(s) 5(b,c) and buffer tank 20         housing the bulk of the anolyte portion and the foraminous         basket 3;     -   b. a anolyte reaction chamber 5(a) housing the bulk of the         anolyte portion;     -   c. a anolyte reaction chamber 5(d) and buffer tank 20 housing         the bulk of the anolyte portion;     -   d. an input pump 10 is attached to the anolyte reaction chamber         5(a) to enter liquid waste into the anolyte reaction chamber         5(a);     -   e. a spray head 4(a) and a stream head 4(b) attached to the         tubing coming from the electrochemical cell 25 that inputs the         anolyte containing the oxidizer into the anolyte reaction         chamber(s) 5(a,b,c) and buffer tank 20 in such a manner as to         promote mixing of the incoming anolyte with the anolyte already         in the anolyte reaction chambers(s) 5(a,b,c);     -   f. a anolyte reaction chamber(s) 5(b,c) houses a foraminous         basket 3 with a top that holds solid forms of the waste in the         electrolyte;     -   g. a hinged lid 1 attached to the anolyte reaction chamber(s)         5(a,b,c) allowing insertion of waste into the anolyte portion as         liquid, solid, or a mixture of liquids and solids;     -   h. the lid 1 contains an locking latch 76 to secure the anolyte         reaction chamber(s) 5(a,b,c) during operation;     -   i. a suction pump 8 is attached to buffer tank 20 to pump         anolyte to the anolyte reaction chamber(s) 5(c,d);     -   j. an input pump 10 to pump anolyte from the anolyte reaction         chamber(s) 5(c,d) back into the buffer tank 20; and     -   k. an air pump 32 to pump off gases from the anolyte reaction         chamber(s) 5(c,d) back into the buffer tank 20 for further         oxidation.

16. The apparatus of paragraph 10, further comprising:

-   -   a. an ultraviolet source 11 connected to the anolyte reaction         chamber(s) 5(a,b,c) and buffer tank 20 and decomposing hydrogen         peroxide and ozone into hydroxyl free radicals therein and         increasing efficiency of the MEO process by recovering energy         through the oxidation of the waste materials in the anolyte         chamber by these secondary oxidizers;     -   b. an ultrasonic source 9 connected to the anolyte reaction         chamber(s) 5(a,b,c) and buffer tank 20 for augmenting secondary         oxidation processes by heating the hydrogen peroxide containing         electrolyte to produce extremely short lived and localized         conditions of 4800° C. and 1000 atmospheres pressure within the         anolyte to dissociate hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl free         radicals thus increasing the oxidation processes;     -   c. an ultrasonic energy 9 source connected into the anolyte         reaction chamber(s) 5(a,b,c) and buffer tank 20 for irradiating         cell membranes in waste materials by momentarily raising         temperature within the cell membranes and causing cell membrane         fail and rupture thus creating greater exposure of cell contents         to oxidizing species in the anolyte;     -   d. the use of ultrasonic energy for mixing material in the         anolyte, via the ultrasonic energy source 9, to induce         microscopic bubble implosion which is used to affect a desired         reduction in sized of the individual second phase waste volumes         and disperse throughout the anolyte;     -   e. a mixer 7 for stirring the anolyte connected to the anolyte         reaction chamber(s) 5(a,b,c) and the buffer tank 20;     -   f. a CO₂ vent 14 for releasing CO₂ atmospherically;     -   g. the penetrator 34 is attached to the basket 3 in anolyte         reaction chamber(s) 5(b,c) to puncture any solids;     -   h. an inorganic compounds removal and treatment system 15         connected to the anolyte reaction chamber(s) 5(a,b,c) and buffer         tank 20 is used should there be more than trace amount of         chlorine, or other precipitate forming anions present in the         waste being processed, thereby precluding formation of unstable         oxycompounds_(e.g., perchlorates, etc.);     -   i. a gas cleaning system 16 comprises scrubber/absorption         columns;     -   j. the condenser 13 connected to the anolyte reaction chamber(s)         5(a,b,c) and buffer tank 20;     -   k) non-condensable incomplete oxidation products (e.g., low         molecular weight organics, carbon monoxide, etc.) are reduced to         acceptable levels for atmospheric release by a gas cleaning         system 16;     -   l. gas cleaning system 16 is not a necessary component of the         MEO apparatus for the destruction of most types of waste;     -   m. when the gas cleaning system 16 is incorporated into the MEO         apparatus, the anolyte off-gas is contacted in a gas cleaning         system 16 wherein the noncondensibles from the condenser 13 are         introduced into the lower portion of the gas cleaning system 16         through a flow distribution system and a small side stream of         freshly oxidized anolyte direct from the electrochemical cell 25         is introduced into the upper portion of the column, this results         in the gas phase continuously reacting with the oxidizing         mediator species as it rises up the column past the down flowing         anolyte;     -   n. external drain 12, for draining to the organic compound         removal system 17 and the inorganic compounds removal and         treatment system 15, and for draining the anolyte system;     -   o. organic compounds recovery system 17 is used to recover a)         organic materials that are benign and do not need further         treatment, and b) organic materials that is used in the form         they have been reduced and thus would be recovered for that         purpose;     -   p. small thermal control units 21 and 22 are connected to the         flow stream to heat or cool the anolyte to the selected         temperature range;     -   q. anolyte is circulated into the anolyte reaction chamber(s)         5(a,b,c,d) and buffer tank 20 through the electrochemical cell         25 by pump 19 on the anode 26 side of the membrane 27;     -   r. a flush(s) 18 for flushing the anolyte and catholyte systems;     -   s. filter 6 is located at the base of the anolyte reaction         chambers 5(a,b,c,d) and buffer tank 20 to limit the size of the         solid particles to approximately 1 mm in diameter;     -   t. membrane 27 in the electrochemical cell 25 separates the         anolyte portion and catholyte portion of the electrolyte;     -   u. electrochemical cell 25 is energized by a DC power supply 29,         which is powered by the AC power supply 30;     -   v. DC power supply 29 is low voltage high current supply usually         operating below 4V DC but not limited to that range;     -   w. AC power supply 30 operates off a typical 110 v AC line for         the smaller units and 240 v AC for the larger units;     -   x. electrolyte containment boundary is composed of materials         resistant to the oxidizing electrolyte (e.g., stainless steel,         PTFE, PTFE lined tubing, glass, etc.); and     -   y. an electrochemical cell 25 connected to the anolyte reaction         chamber(s) 5(a,b,c) and buffer tank 20.

17. The apparatus of paragraph 10, wherein:

-   -   a. in the anolyte reaction chambers 5(a,b,c) and buffer tank 20         is the aqueous acid, alkali, or neutral salt electrolyte and         mediated oxidizer species solution in which the oxidizer form of         the mediator redox couple initially may be present or may be         generated electrochemically after introduction of the waste and         application of DC power 29 to the electrochemical cell 25;     -   b. waste is introduced when the anolyte is at room temperature,         operating temperature or some optimum intermediate temperature;     -   c. DC power supply 29 provides direct current to an         electrochemical cell 25;     -   d. pump 19 circulates the anolyte portion of the electrolyte and         the waste material is rapidly oxidized at temperatures below         100° C. and ambient pressure;     -   e. in-line filter 6 prevents solid particles large enough to         clog the electrochemical cell 25 flow paths from exiting this         reaction chambers 5(a,b,c,d) and buffer tank 20;     -   f. residue is pacified in the form of a salt and may be         periodically removed through the Inorganic Compound Removal and         Treatment System 15 and drain outlets 12;     -   g. electrolyte may be changed through this same plumbing for         introduction into the reaction chambers 5(a,b,c) and buffer tank         20 and 31;     -   h. the process operates at low temperature and ambient         atmospheric pressure and does not generate toxic compounds         during the destruction of the waste, making the process indoors         compatible;     -   i. the system is scalable to a unit large for a large industrial         application; and     -   j. CO₂ oxidation product from the anolyte system A is vented out         the CO₂ vent 14.

18. The apparatus of paragraph 10, wherein:

-   -   a. an anolyte recovery system 41 connected to the catholyte pump         (43);     -   b. a thermal control unit 45 connected to the catholyte         reservoir for varying the temperature of the catholyte portion;     -   c. a catholyte reservoir 31 connected to the cathode portion of         the electrochemical cell;     -   d. bulk of the catholyte is resident in the catholyte reaction         chamber 31;     -   e. catholyte portion of the electrolyte flows into a catholyte         reservoir 31;     -   f. an air sparge 37 connected to the catholyte reservoir 31 for         introducing air into the catholyte reservoir 31;     -   g. an anolyte recovery system 41 for capturing the anions and         for reintroducing the anions into the anolyte chamber(s)         5(a,b,c) and buffer tank 20 or disposal from the catholyte         electrolyte;     -   h. an off gas cleaning system 39 for cleaning gases before         release into the atmosphere connected to the catholyte reservoir         31;     -   i. an atmospheric vent 47 for releasing gases into the         atmosphere connected to the off gas cleaning system 39;     -   j. cleaned gas from the off gas cleaning system 39 is combined         with unreacted components of the air introduced into the system         and discharged through the atmospheric vent 47;     -   k. a catholyte reservoir 31 has a screwed top 33 (shown in FIG.         1A), which allow access to the reservoir 31 for cleaning and         maintenance by service personnel;     -   l. a mixer 35 for stirring the catholyte connected to the         catholyte reservoir 31;     -   m. a catholyte pump 43 for circulating catholyte back to the         electrochemical cell 25 connected to the catholyte reservoir 31;     -   n. a drain 12 for draining catholyte;     -   o. a flush 18 for flushing the catholyte system;     -   p. an air sparge 37 connected to the housing for introducing air         into the catholyte reaction chamber 31;     -   q. catholyte portion of the electrolyte is circulated by pump 43         through the electrochemical cell 25 on the cathode 28 side of         the membrane 27;     -   r. small thermal control units 45 and 46 are connected to the         catholyte flow stream to heat or cool the catholyte to the         selected temperature range;     -   s. contact of the oxidizing gas with the catholyte electrolyte         may be enhanced by using conventional techniques for promoting         gas/liquid contact by a ultrasonic vibration 48, mechanical         mixing 35, etc.;     -   t. operating the electrochemical cell 25 at higher than normal         membrane 27 current densities (i.e., above about 0.5 amps/cm²)         will increase the rate of waste destruction, but also result in         increased mediator ion transport through the membrane into the         catholyte;     -   u. optional anolyte recovery system 41 is positioned on the         catholyte side;     -   v. some catholyte systems may also require air sparging to         dilute and/or remove off-gas such as hydrogen when they are not         desired;     -   w. some mediator oxidizer ions may cross the membrane 27 and         this option is available if it is necessary to remove them         through the anolyte recovery system 41 to maintain process         efficiency or cell operability, or their economic worth         necessitates their recovery;     -   x. using the anolyte recovery system 41 the capitol cost of         expanding the size of the electrochemical cell 25 can be         avoided; and     -   y. operating the electrochemical cell 25 at higher than normal         membrane current density (i.e., above about 0.5 amps per         centimeter squared) improves economic efficiency.

19. The apparatus of paragraph 10, wherein:

-   -   a. operator runs the MEO Apparatus (FIG. 1) and FIG. 5(b) by         using the MEO Controller depicted in FIG. 2 MEO Controller;     -   b. controller 49 with microprocessor is connected to a monitor         51 and a keyboard 53;     -   c. operator inputs commands to the controller 49 through the         keyboard 53 responding to the information displayed on the         monitor 51;     -   d. controller 49 runs a program that sequences the steps for the         operation of the MEO apparatus;     -   e. program has pre-programmed sequences of standard operations         that the operator follows or he chooses his own sequences of         operations;     -   f. controller 49 allows the operator to select his own sequences         within limits that assure a safe and reliable operation;     -   g. controller 49 sends digital commands that regulates the         electrical power (AC 30 and DC 29) to the various components in         the MEO apparatus: pumps 19 and 43, mixers 7 and 35, thermal         controls 21, 22, 45, 46, heat exchangers 23 and 24, ultraviolet         sources 11, ultrasonic sources 9 and 48, CO₂ vent 14, air sparge         37, and electrochemical cell 25;     -   h. controller receives component response and status from the         components;     -   i. controller sends digital commands to the sensors to access         sensor information through sensor responses;     -   j. sensors in the MEO apparatus provide digital information on         the state of the various components;     -   k. sensors measure flow rate 59, temperature 61, pH 63, CO₂         venting 65, degree of oxidation 67, air sparge sensor 69, etc;         and     -   l. controller 49 receives status information on the electrical         potential (voltmeter 57) across the electrochemical cell or         individual cells if a multi-cell configuration and between the         anode(s) and reference electrodes internal to the cell(s) 25 and         the current (ammeter 55) flowing between the electrodes within         each cell.

20. The apparatus of paragraph 10, wherein:

-   -   a. preferred embodiment, MEO System Model 5.b is sized for use         in a small to mid-size application; other preferred embodiments         have differences in the external configuration and size but are         essentially the same in internal function and components as         depicted in FIGS. 1B, 1D, and 1E;     -   b. preferred embodiment in FIG. 3 comprises a housing 72         constructed of metal or high strength plastic surrounding the         electrochemical cell 25, the electrolyte and the foraminous         basket 3;     -   c. AC power is provided to the AC power supply 30 by the power         cord 78;     -   d. monitor screen 51 is incorporated into the housing 72 for         displaying information about the system and about the waste         being treated;     -   e. control keyboard 53 is incorporated into the housing 72 for         inputting information into the system;     -   f. monitor screen 51 and the control keyboard 53 may be attached         to the system without incorporating them into the housing 72;     -   g. system model 5.b has a control keyboard 53 for input of         commands and data;     -   h. monitor screen 51 to display the systems operation and         functions;     -   i. status lights 73 for on, off and standby, are located above         the keyboard 53 and monitor screen 51;     -   j. in a preferred embodiment, status lights 73 are incorporated         into the housing 72 for displaying information about the status         of the treatment of the waste material;     -   k. air sparge 37 is incorporated into the housing 72 to allow         air to be introduced into the catholyte reaction chamber 31         below the surface of the catholyte;     -   l. a CO₂ vent 14 is incorporated into the housing 72 to allow         for CO₂ release from the anolyte reaction chamber housed within;     -   m. in a preferred embodiment, the housing includes means for         cleaning out the MEO waste treatment system, including a         flush(s) 18 and drain(s) 12 through which the anolyte and         catholyte will pass;     -   n. the preferred embodiment further comprises an atmospheric         vent 47 facilitating the releases of gases into the atmosphere         from the catholyte reaction chamber 31;     -   o. hinged lid 1 is opened and the solid waste is deposited in         the basket 3 in the chamber 5(b);     -   p. lid stop 2 keeps lid opening controlled; and     -   q. hinged lid 1 is equipped with a locking latch 76 that is         operated by the controller 49.

21. The apparatus of paragraph 10, wherein:

-   -   a. MEO apparatus is contained in the housing 72;     -   b. MEO system is started 81 by the operator engaging the ‘ON’         button 74 on the control keyboard 53;     -   c. system controller 49, which contains a microprocessor, runs         the program that controls the entire sequence of operations 82;     -   d. monitor screen 51 displays the steps of the process in the         proper sequence;     -   e. status lights 73 on the panel provide the status of the MEO         apparatus (e.g. on, off, ready, standby);     -   f. lid 1 is opened and the waste is placed 83 in the anolyte         reaction chamber 5(b) in basket 3 as a liquid, solid, or a         mixture of liquids and solids, whereupon the solid portion of         the waste is retained and the liquid portion flows through the         basket and into the anolyte;     -   g. locking latch 76 is activated after waste is placed in         basket;     -   h. pumps 19 and 43 are activated which begins circulation 85 of         the anolyte 87 and catholyte 89, respectively;     -   i. once the electrolyte circulation is established throughout         the system, the mixers 7 and 35 begin to operate 91 and 93;     -   j. depending upon waste characteristics (e.g., reaction         kinetics, heat of reaction, etc.) it may be desirable to         introduce the waste into a room temperature or cooler system         with little or none of the mediator redox couple in the oxidizer         form;     -   k. once flow is established the thermal controls units 21, 22,         45, and 46 are turned on 95/97, initiating predetermined anodic         oxidation and electrolyte heating programs;     -   l. the electrochemical cell 25 is energized 94 (by cell commands         56) to the electric potential 57 and current 55 density         determined by the controller program;     -   m. by using programmed electrical power and electrolyte         temperature ramps it is possible to maintain a predetermined         waste destruction rate profile such as a relatively constant         reaction rate as the more reactive waste components are         oxidized, thus resulting in the remaining waste becoming less         and less reactive, thereby requiring more and more vigorous         oxidizing conditions;     -   n. the ultrasonic sources 9 and 48 and ultraviolet systems 11         are activated 99 and 101 in the anolyte reaction chambers         5(a,b,c) and buffer tank 20 and catholyte reaction chamber 31 if         those options are chosen in the controller program;     -   o. CO₂ vent 14 is activated 103 to release CO₂ from the waste         oxidation process in the anolyte reaction chambers 5(a,b,c) and         buffer tank 20;     -   p. air sparge 37 and atmospheric vent 47 are activated 105 in         the catholyte system;     -   q. progress of the destruction process is monitored in the         controller (oxidation sensor 67) by various cell voltages and         currents 55, 57 (e.g., open circuit, anode vs. reference         electrode, ion specific electrodes, etc,) as well as monitoring         CO₂, CO, and O₂ gas 65 composition for CO₂, CO and oxygen         content;     -   r. waste is being decomposed into water and CO₂ the latter being         discharged 103 out of the CO₂ vent 14;     -   s. air sparge 37 draws air 105 into the catholyte reservoir 31,         and excess air is discharged out the atmospheric vent 47         diluting hydrogen for release into the atmosphere;     -   t. hydrogen output 38 is activated 105 and the hydrogen gas is         released to a fuel cell or other hydrogen fuel consuming system;     -   u. when the oxidation sensor 67 determine the desired degree of         waste destruction has been obtained 107, the system goes to         standby 109;     -   v. MEO apparatus as an option may be placed in a standby mode         with waste being added as it is generated throughout the day and         the unit placed in full activation during non-business hours;         and

x. system operator executes system shutdown 111 using the controller keyboard 53. TABLE I SIMPLE ANION REDOX COUPLES MEDIATORS SUB GROUP GROUP ELEMENT VALENCE SPECIES SPECIFIC REDOX COUPLES I A None B Copper (Cu) +2 Cu⁻² (cupric) +2 Species/+3, +4 Species HCuO₂ (bicuprite) +3 Species/+4 Species CuO₂ ⁻² (cuprite) +3 Cu⁺³ CuO₂ ⁻ (cuprate) Cu₂O₃ (sesquioxide) +4 CuO₂ (peroxide) Silver (Ag) +1 Ag⁺ (argentous) +1 Species/+2, +3 Species AgO⁻ (argentite) +2 Species/+3 Species +2 Ag⁻² (argentic) AgO (argentic oxide) +3 AgO⁺ (argentyl) Ag₂O₃ (sesquioxide) Gold (Au) +1 Au⁺ (aurous) +1 Species/+3, +4 Species +3 Au⁺³ (auric) +3 Species/+4 Species AuO⁻ (auryl) H₃AuO₃ ⁻ (auric acid) H₂AuO₃ ⁻ (monoauarate) HAuO₃ ⁻² (diaurate) AuO₃ ⁻³ (triaurate) Au₂O₃ (auric oxide) Au(OH)₃ (auric hydroxide) +4 AuO₂ (peroxide) II A Magnesium (Mg) +2 Mg⁺² (magnesic) +2 Species/+4 Species +4 MgO₂ (peroxide) Calcium (Ca) +2 Ca⁺² +2 Species/+4 Species +4 CaO₂ (peroxide) Strontium +2 Sr⁺² +2 Species/+4 Species +4 SrO₂ (peroxide) Barium (Ba) +2 Ba⁺² +2 Species/+4 Species +4 BaO₂ (peroxide) II B Zinc (Zn) +2 Zn⁺² (zincic) +2 Species/+4 Species ZnOH¹ (zincyl) HZnO₂ ⁻(bizincate) ZnO₂ ⁻² (zincate) +4 ZnO₂ (peroxide) Mercury (Hg) +2 Hg⁺² (mercuric) +2 Species/+4 Species Hg(OH)₂(mercuric hydroxide) HHgO₂ ⁻ (mercurate) +4 HgO₂ (peroxide) III A Boron +3 H₃BO₃ (orthoboric acid) +3 Species/+4.5, +5 Species H₂BO₃ ⁻, HBO₃ ⁻², BO₃ ⁻³ (orthoborates) BO₂ ⁻ (metaborate) H₂B₄O₇ (tetraboric acid) HB₄O₇ ⁻/B₄O₇ ⁻² (tetraborates) B₂O₄ ⁻² (diborate) B₆O₁₀ ⁻² (hexaborate) +4.5 B₂O₅ ⁻ (diborate) +5 BO₃ ⁻/BO₂ ⁻.H₂O (perborate) Thallium (Tl) +1 Tl⁺¹ (thallous) +1 Species/+3 or +3.33 Species +3 Tl⁺³ (thallic) +3 Species/+3.33 Species TlO⁺, TlOH⁺², Tl(OH)₂ ⁺ (thallyl) Tl₂O₃ (sesquioxide) Tl(OH)₃ (hydroxide) +3.33 Tl₃O₅ (peroxide) B See Rare Earths and Actinides IV A Carbon (C) +4 H₂CO₃(carbonic acid) +4 Species/+5, +6 Species HCO₃ ⁻ (bicarbonate) CO₃ ⁻² (carbonate) +5 H₂C₂O₆ (perdicarbonic acid) +6 H₂CO₄(permonocarbonic acid) Germanium (Ge) +4 H₂GeO₃ (germanic acid) +4 Species/+6 Species HGeO₃ ⁻(bigermaniate) GeO₃ ⁻⁴ (germinate) Ge⁺⁴ (germanic) GeO₄ ⁻⁴ H₂Ge₂O₅ (digermanic acid) H₂Ge₄O₉ (tetragermanic acid) H₂Ge₅O₁₁ (pentagermanic acid) HGe₅O₁₁ ⁻(bipentagermanate) +6 Ge₅O₁₁ ⁻² (pentagermanate) Tin (Sn) +4 Sn⁺⁴ (stannic) +4 Species/+7 Species HSnO₃ ⁻ (bistannate) SnO₃ ⁻² (stannate) SnO₂ (stannic oxide) Sn(OH)₄ (stannic hydroxide) +7 SnO₄ ⁻ (perstannate) Lead (Pb) +2 Pb⁺² (plumbous) +2, +2.67, +3 Species/+4 Species HPbO₂ ⁻(biplumbite) PbOH⁺ PbO₂ ⁻² (plumbite) PbO (plumbus oxide) +2.67 Pb₃O₄ (plumbo-plumbic oxide) +3 Pb₂O₃ (sequioxide) IV A Lead (Pb) +4 Pb⁺⁴ (plumbic) +2, +2.67, +3 Species/+4 Species PbO₃ ⁻² (metaplumbate) HPbO₃ ⁻(acid metaplumbate) PbO₄ ⁻⁴ (orthoplumbate) PbO₂ (dioxide) B Titanium +4 TiO⁺² (pertitanyl) +4 Species/+6 Species HTiO₄ ⁻ titanate) TiO₂ (dioxide) +6 TiO₂ ⁺² (pertitanyl) HTiO₄ ⁻ (acid pertitanate) TiO₄ ⁻² (pertitanate) TiO₃ (peroxide) Zirconium (Zr) +4 Zr⁺⁴ (zirconic) +4 Species/+5, +6, +7 Species ZrO⁺² (zirconyl) HZrO₃ ⁻ (zirconate) +5 Zr₂O₅ (pentoxide) +6 ZrO₃ (peroxide) +7 Zr₂O₇ (heptoxide) Hafnium (Hf) +4 Hf⁺⁴ (hafnic) +4 Species/+6 Species HfO⁺² (hafnyl) +6 HfO₃ (peroxide) V A Nitrogen +5 HNO₃ (nitric acid) +5 species/+7 Species NO₃ ⁻ (nitrate) +7 HNO₄ (pernitric acid) Phosphorus (P) +5 H₃PO₄(orthophosphoric acid) +5 Species/+6, +7 species H₂PO₄ ⁻ (monoorthophosphate) HPO₄ ⁻² (diorthophosphate) PO₄ ⁻³ (triorthophosphate) HPO₃ (metaphosphoric acid) H₄P₂O₇ (pryophosphoric acid) H₅P₃O₁₀ (triphosphoric acid) H₆P₄O₁₃ (tetraphosphoric acid) +6 H₄P₂O₈ (perphosphoric acid) +5 Species/+6, +7 Species +7 H₃PO₅ (monoperphosphoric acid) Arsenic (As) +5 H₃AsO₄ (ortho-arsenic acid) +5 Species/+7 species H₂AsO₄ ⁻ (mono ortho-arsenate) HAsO₄ ⁻² (di-ortho-arsenate) AsO₄ ⁻³ (tri-ortho-arsenate) AsO₂ ⁺ (arsenyl) +7 AsO₃ ⁺ (perarsenyl) Bismuth (Bi) +3 Bi⁺³ (bismuthous) +3 Species/+3.5, +4, +5 Species BiOH⁺² (hydroxybismuthous) BiO⁺ (bismuthyl) BiO₂ ⁻ (metabismuthite) +3.5 Bi₄O₇ (oxide) +4 Bi₂O₄ (tetroxide) +5 BiO₃ ⁻ (metabismuthite) Bi₂O₅ (pentoxide) B Vanadium (V) +5 VO₂ ⁺ (vanadic) +5 Species/+7, +9 Species (See also POM H₃V₂O₇ ⁻ (pyrovanadate) Complex Anion H₂VO₄ ⁻ (orthovanadate) Mediators) VO₃ ⁻ (metavanadate) HVO₄ ⁻² (orthovanadate) VO₄ ⁻³ (orthovanadate) V₂O₅ (pentoxide) H₄V₂O₇ (pyrovanadic acid) HVO₃ (metavanadic acid) H₄V₆O₁₇ (hexavanadic acid) +7 VO₄ ⁻ (pervanadate) +9 VO₅ ⁻ (hypervanadate) VI B Chromium +3 Cr⁺³ (chromic) +3 Species/+4, +6 Species CrOH⁺², Cr(OH)₂ ⁺ (chromyls) +4 Species/+6 Species CrO₂ ⁻, CrO₃ ⁻³ (chromites) Cr₂O₃ (chromic oxide) Cr(OH)₃ (chromic hydroxide) +4 CrO₂ (dioxide) Cr(OH)₄ (hydroxide) +6 H₂CrO₄ (chromic acid) HCrO₄ ⁻ (acid chromate) CrO₄ ⁻² (chromate) Cr₂O₇ ⁻² (dichromate) Molybdenum (Mo) +6 HMoO₄ ⁻ (bimolybhate) +6 Species/+7 Species (See also POM MoO₄ ⁻² (molydbate) Complex Anion MoO₃ (molybdic trioxide) Mediators) H₂MoO₄ (molybolic acid) +7 MoO₄ ⁻ (permolybdate) Tungsten (W) +6 WO₄ ⁻² tungstic) +6 Species/+8 Species (See also POM WO₃ (trioxide) Complex Anion H₂WO₄ (tungstic acid) Mediators) +8 WO₅ ⁻² (pertungstic) H₂WO₅ (pertungstic acid) VII A Chlorine (Cl) −1 Cl⁻ (chloride) −1 Species/+1, +3, +5, +7 Species +1 HClO (hypochlorous acid) +1 Species/+3, +5, +7 Species ClO⁻ (hypochlorite) +3 Species/+5, +7 Species +3 HClO₂ (chlorous acid) +5 Species/+7 Species ClO₂ ⁻ (chlorite) +5 HClO₃ (chloric acid) ClO₃ ⁻ (chlorate) +7 HClO₄ (perchloric acid) ClO₄ ⁻, HClO₅ ⁻², ClO₅ ⁻³, Cl₂O₉ ⁻⁴ (perchlorates) V B Niobium (Nb) +5 NbO₃ ⁻ (metaniobate) +5 Species/+7 species (See also POM NbO₄ ⁻³ (orthoniobate) Complex Anion Nb₂O₅ (pentoxide) Mediators) HNbO₃ (niobid acid) +7 NbO₄ ⁻ (perniobate) Nb₂O₇ (perniobic oxide) HNbO₄ (perniobic acid) Tantalum (Ta) +5 TaO₃ ⁻ (metatantalate) +5 species/+7 species (See also POM TaO₄ ⁻³ (orthotanatalate) Complex Anion Ta₂O₅ (pentoxide) Mediators) HTaO₃ (tantalic acid) +7 TaO₄ ⁻ (pentantalate) Ta₂O₇ (pertantalate) HTaO₄.H₂O (pertantalic acid) VI A Sulfur (S) +6 H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid) +6 Species/+7, +8 Species HSO₄ ⁻ (bisulfate) SO₄ ⁻² (sulfate) +7 S₂O₈ ⁻² (dipersulfate) +8 H₂SO₅ (momopersulfuric acid) Selenium (Se) +6 H₂Se₂O₄ (selenic acid) +6 species/+7 Species HSeO₄ ⁻ (biselenate) SeO₄ ⁻² (selenate) +7 H₂Se₂O₈ (perdiselenic acid) Tellurium (Te) +6 H₂TeO₄ (telluric acid) +6 species/+7 species HTeO₄ ⁻ (bitellurate) TeO₄ ⁻² (tellurate) +7 H₂Te₂O₈ (perditellenic acid) Polonium (Po) +2 Po⁺² (polonous) +2, +4 species/+6 Species +4 PoO₃ ⁻² (polonate) +6 PoO₃ (peroxide) VII A Bromine (Br) −1 Br⁻ (bromide) −1 Species/+1, +3, +5, +7 Species +1 HBrO (hypobromous acid) +1 Species/+3, +5, +7 Species BrO⁻ (hypobromitee) +3 Species/+5, +7 Species +3 HBrO₂ (bromous acid) +5 Species/+7 Species BrO2⁻ (bromite) +5 HBrO₃ (bromic acid) BrO₃ ⁻ (bromate) +7 HBrO₄ (perbromic acid) BrO₄ ⁻, HBrO₅ ⁻², BrO₅ ⁻³, Br₂O₉ ⁻⁴ (prebromates) Iodine −1 I⁻ (iodide) −1 Species/+1, +3, +5, +7 Species +1 HIO (hypoiodus acid) +1 Species/+3, +5, +7 Species IO⁻ (hypoiodite) +3 Species/+5, +7 Species +3 HIO₂ (iodous acid) +5 Species/+7 Species IO₂ ⁻ (iodite) +5 HIO₃ (iodic acid) IO₃ ⁻ (iodate) +7 HIO₄ (periodic acid) IO₄ ⁻, HIO₅ ⁻², IO₅ ⁻³, I₂O₉ ⁻⁴ (periodates) B Manganese (Mn) +2 Mn⁺² (manganeous) +2 Species/+3, +4, +6, +7 Species HMnO₂ ⁻ (dimanganite) +3 Species/+4, +6, +7 Species +3 Mn⁺³ (manganic) +4 Species/+6, +7 Species +4 MnO₂ (dioxide) +6 Species/+7 Species +6 MnO₄ ⁻² (manganate) +7 MnO₄ ⁻ (permanganate) VIII Period 4 Iron (Fe) +2 Fe⁺² (ferrous) +2 Species/+3, +4, +5, +6 Species HFeO₂ ⁻ (dihypoferrite) +3 Species/+4, +5, +6 Species +3 Fe⁺³, FeOH⁺², Fe(OH)₂ ⁺( ) +4 Species/+5, +6 Species FeO₂ ⁻ (ferrite) +5 Species/+6 Species +4 FeO⁺² (ferryl) FeO₂ ⁻² (perferrite) +5 FeO₂ ⁺ (perferryl) +6 FeO₄ ⁻² (ferrate) Cobalt (Co) +2 Co⁺² (cobalous) +2 Species/+3, +4 Species HCoO₂ ⁻ (dicobaltite) +3 Species/+4 Species +3 Co⁺³ (cobaltic) Co₂O₃ (cobaltic oxide) +4 CoO₂ (peroxide) H₂CoO₃ (cobaltic acid) Nickel (Ni) +2 Ni⁺² (nickelous) +2 Species/+3, +4, +6 Species NiOH⁺ +3 Species/+4, +6 Species HNiO₂ ⁻ (dinickelite) +4 Species/+6 Species NiO₂ ⁻² (nickelite) +3 Ni⁺³ (nickelic) Ni₂O₃ (nickelic oxide) +4 NiO₂ (peroxide) +6 NiO₄ ⁻² (nickelate) VIII Period 5 Ruthenium (Ru) +2 Ru⁺² +2 Species/+3, +4, +5, +6, +7, +8 Species +3 Ru⁺³ +3 Species/+4, +5, +6, +7, +8 Species Ru₂O₃ (sesquioxide) +4 Species/+5, +6, +7, +8 Species Ru(OH)₃ (hydroxide) +5 Species/+6, +7, +8 Species +4 Ru⁺⁴ (ruthenic) +6 Species/+7, +8 Species RuO₂ (ruthenic dioxide) +7 Species/+8 Species Ru(OH)₄ (ruthenic hydroxide) +5 Ru₂O₅ (pentoxide) +6 RuO₄ ⁻² (ruthenate) RuO₂ ⁺² (ruthenyl) RuO₃ (trioxide) +7 RuO₄ ⁻ (perruthenate) +8 H₂RuO₄ (hyperuthenic acid) HRuO₅ ⁻ (diperruthenate) RuO₄ (ruthenium tetroxide) Rhodium (Rh) +1 Rh⁺ (hyporhodous) +1 Species/+2, +3, +4, +6 Species +2 Rh⁺² (rhodous) +2 Species/+3, +4, +6 Species +3 Rh⁺³ (rhodic) +3 Species/+4, +6 Species Rh₂O₃ (sesquioxide) +4 Species/+6 Species +4 RhO₂ (rhodic oxide) Rh(OH)₄ (hydroxide) +6 RhO₄ ⁻² (rhodate) RhO₃ (trioxide) Palladium +2 Pd⁺² (palladous) +2 Species/+3, +4, +6 Species PdO₂ ⁻² (palladite) +3 Species/+4, +6 Species +3 Pd₂O₃ (sesquioxide) +4 Species/+6 Species +4 PdO₃ ⁻² (palladate) PdO₂ (dioxide) Pd(OH)₄ (hydroxide) +6 PdO₃ (peroxide) VIII Period 6 Iridium (Ir) +3 Ir⁺³ (iridic) +3 Species/+4, +6 Species Ir₂O₃ (iridium sesquioxide) +4 Species/+6 Species Ir(OH)₃ (iridium hydroxide) +4 IrO₂ (iridic oxide) Ir(OH)₄ (iridic hydroxide) +6 IrO₄ ⁻² (iridate) IrO₃ (iridium peroxide) Platinum (Pt) +2 Pt⁺² (platinous) +2, +3 Species/+4, +6 Species +3 Pt₂O₃ (sesquioxide) +4 Species/+6 Species +4 PtO₃ ⁻² (palatinate) PtO⁺² (platinyl) Pt(OH)⁺³ PtO₂ (platonic oxide) IIIB Rare earths Cerium (Ce) +3 Ce⁺³ (cerous) +3 Species/+4, +6 Species Ce₂O₃ (cerous oxide) +4 Species/+6 Species Ce(OH)₃ (cerous hydroxide) +4 Ce⁺⁴, Ce(OH)⁺³, Ce(OH)₂ ⁺², Ce(OH)₃ ⁺ (ceric) CeO₂ (ceric oxide) +6 CeO₃ (peroxide) Praseodymium (Pr) +3 Pr⁺³ (praseodymous) +3 species/+4 species Pr₂O₃ (sesquioxide) Pr(OH)₃ (hydroxide) +4 Pr⁺⁴ (praseodymic) PrO₂ (dioxide) Neodymium +3 Nd⁺³ +3 Species/+4 Species Nd₂O₃ (sesquioxide) +4 NdO₂ (peroxide) Terbium (Tb) +3 Tb⁺³ +3 Species/+4 Species Tb₂O₃ (sesquioxide) +4 TbO₂ (peroxide) IIIB Actinides Thorium (Th) +4 Th⁺⁴ (thoric) +4 Species/+6 Species ThO⁺² (thoryl) HThO₃ ⁻ (thorate) +6 ThO₃ (acid peroxide) Uranium (U) +6 UO₂ ⁺² (uranyl) +6 Species/+8 Species UO₃ (uranic oxide) +8 HUO₅ ⁻, UO₅ ⁻² (peruranates) UO₄(peroxide) Neptunium (Np) +5 NpO₂ ⁺ (hyponeptunyl) +5 Species/+6, +8 Species Np₂O₅ (pentoxide) +6 Species/+8 Species +6 NpO₂ ⁺² (neptunyl) NpO₃ (trioxide) +8 NpO₄ (peroxide) Plutonium (Pu) +3 Pu⁺³ (hypoplutonous) +3 Species/+4, +5, +6 Species +4 Pu⁺⁴ (plutonous) +4 Species/+5, +6 Species PuO₂ (dioxide) +5 Species/+6 Species +5 PuO₂ ⁺ (hypoplutonyl) Pu₂O₅ (pentoxide) +6 PuO₂ ⁺² (plutonyl) PuO₃ (peroxide) Americium (Am) +3 Am⁺³ (hypoamericious) +4 Am⁺⁴ (americous) AmO₂ (dioxide) Am(OH)₄ (hydroxide) +5 AmO₂ ⁺ (hypoamericyl) Am₂O₅ (pentoxide) +6 AmO₂ ⁺² (americyl) AmO₃ (peroxide)

TABLE II ELEMENTS PARTICIPATING AS HETEROATOMS IN HETEROPOLYANION COMPLEX ANION REDOX COUPLE MEDIATORS GROUP SUB GROUP ELEMENT I A Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), and Cesium (Cs) B Copper (Cu), Silver (Ag), and Gold (Au) II A Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Strontium (Sr), and Barium (Ba) B Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), and Mercury (Hg) III A Boron (B), and Aluminum (Al) B Scandium (Sc), and Yttrium (Y) - (See Rare Earths) IV A Carbon (C), Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge), Tin (Sn) and Lead (Pb) B Titanium (Ti), Zirconium (Zr), and Hafnium (Hf) V A Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), Arsenic (As), Antimony (Sb), and Bismuth (Bi) B Vanadium (V), Niobium (Nb), and Tantalum (Ta) VI A Sulfur (S), Selenium (Se), and Tellurium (Te) B Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum (Mo), and Tungsten (W) VII A Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), and Iodine (I) B Manganese (Mn), Technetium (Tc), and Rhenium (Re) VIII Period 4 Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), and Nickel (Ni) Period 5 Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium (Rh), and Palladium (Pd) Period 6 Osmium (Os), Iridium (Ir), and Platinum (Pt) IIIB Rare Earths All 

1. A process for and the use of the mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) process on biological and organic waste materials to produce hydrogen and oxygen comprising disposing an electrolyte in an electrochemical cell, separating the electrolyte into an anolyte portion and a catholyte portion with an ion-selective membrane or semipermeable membrane applying a direct current voltage between the anolyte portion and the catholyte portion, placing biological and organic waste in the anolyte portion, oxidizing waste materials in solution in the anolyte, and biological and organic waste in the anolyte portion with a mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) process, wherein the anolyte portion further comprises a mediator in aqueous solution and the electrolyte is an acid, neutral or alkaline aqueous solution.
 2. The process of claim 1, wherein the mediator is selected from the group of mediators described in Table I.
 3. The process of claim 1, wherein the oxidizing species are selected from one or more of a group of Type I complex anion redox couple isopolyanion mediators containing tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, or combinations thereof as addenda atoms in aqueous solution.
 4. The process of claim 1, wherein the oxidizing species are selected from one or more of a group of Type I heteropolyanions formed by incorporation into Type I isopolyanions, as heteroatoms, any of the elements listed in Table II, either singly or in combination thereof in the aqueous solution.
 5. The process of claim 1, wherein the oxidizing species are selected from one or more of a group of heteropolyanions containing at least one heteroatom type element contained in both Table I and Table II in the aqueous solution.
 6. The process of claim 1, wherein the oxidizing species are selected from a group of combinations of anion redox couple mediators described in Tables I and II, and wherein reduced forms of the redox couples are reoxidized in the anolyte portion within the electrochemical cell.
 7. The process of claim 1, further comprising introducing catalyst additives to the electrolyte and thereby contributing to kinetics of the mediated electrochemical processes while keeping the additives from becoming directly involved in the oxidizing biological and organic waste materials.
 8. The process of claim 1, further comprising adding stabilizing compounds to the electrolyte for overcoming and stabilizing the short lifetime of oxidized forms of higher oxidation state species of the mediator.
 9. The process of claim 1, wherein the oxidizing species are identified in Table I, and wherein each of the species has normal valence states and higher valence oxidizing states and further comprising creating the higher valence oxidizing states of the oxidizing species by stripping electrons from normal valence state species in the electrochemical cell.
 10. The process of claim 1, wherein the oxidizing species are super oxidizers which exhibit oxidation potentials of at least 1.7 volts at 1 molar, 25° C. and pH 1 and which are redox couple species that have the capability of producing free radicals of hydroxyl or perhydroxyl, and further comprising creating free radical secondary oxidizers by reacting the super oxidizers with water.
 11. The process of claim 1, further comprising using an alkaline solution, aiding decomposing of the biological materials derived from base promoted ester hydrolysis, saponification, of fatty acids, and forming water soluble alkali metal salts of the fatty acids and glycerin in a process similar to the production of soap from animal fat by introducing it into a hot aqueous lye solution.
 12. The process of claim 1, further comprising using an alkaline anolyte solution for absorbing CO₂ from the oxidizing of biological and organic waste materials and forming bicarbonate/carbonate solutions, which subsequently circulate through the electrochemical cell, producing percarbonate oxidizers.
 13. The process of claim 1, wherein the oxidizing agents are super oxidizers, and further comprising generating inorganic free radicals in aqueous solutions from carbonate, azide, nitrite, nitrate, phosphite, phosphate, sulfite, sulfate, selenite, thiocyanate, chloride, bromide, iodide, and formate oxidizing species.
 14. The process of claim 1, wherein the membrane is microporous plastic, ion-selective, porous ceramic or sintered glass frit.
 15. The process of claim 1, further comprising impressing an AC voltage upon the direct current voltage for retarding formation of cell performance limiting surface films on the electrode.
 16. The process of claim 1, further comprising disposing a foraminous basket in the anolyte and holding the materials in the basket.
 17. The process of claim 1, wherein the catholyte contains HNO₃ or NO₃ ⁻ salts, and further comprising adding oxygen to the catholyte portion.
 18. The process of claim 1, wherein the mediator is simple anions described in Table I, Type I isopolyanions containing tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, or combinations thereof as addenda atoms; Type I heteropolyanions formed by incorporation into the aforementioned isopolyanions, as heteroatoms, any of the elements listed in Table II, either singly or in combinations thereof; or any heteropolyanions containing at least one heteroatom type contained in both Table I and Table II.
 19. The process of claim 1, further comprising adjusting temperature between 0° C. and temperature of the anolyte portion before it enters the electrochemical cell for enhancing generation of oxidized forms of the mediator, and adjusting the temperature between 0° C. and below the boiling temperature of the anolyte portion entering the anolyte reaction chamber affecting desired chemical reactions at desired rates.
 20. The process of claim 1, further comprising introducing an ultrasonic energy into the anolyte portion, rupturing cell membranes in the biological materials by momentarily raising local temperature within the cell membranes with the ultrasonic energy to above several thousand degrees, and causing cell membrane failure.
 21. The process of claim 1, further comprising the evolving of oxygen from the anode is feed to a hydrogen fuel apparatus to increase the percentage oxygen available from the ambient air.
 22. The process of claim 1, further comprising introducing ultraviolet energy into the anolyte portion and decomposing hydrogen peroxide and ozone into hydroxyl free radicals therein, thereby increasing efficiency of the process by converting products of electron consuming parasitic reactions, ozone and hydrogen peroxide, into viable free radical secondary oxidizers without consumption of additional electrons.
 23. The process of claim 1, further comprising adding a surfactant to the anolyte portion for promoting dispersion of the materials or intermediate stage reaction products within the aqueous solution when the materials or reaction products are not water-soluble and tend to form immiscible layers.
 24. The process of claim 1, further comprising attacking specific organic molecules with the oxidizing species while operating at low temperatures and preventing formation of dioxins and furans.
 25. The process of claim 1, further comprising breaking down the biological and organic waste materials into biological and organic compounds and attacking these compounds using as the mediator simple and/or complex anion redox couple mediators or inorganic free radicals and generating organic free radicals.
 26. The process of claim 1, further comprising raising normal valence state mediator anions to a higher valence state by stripping the mediator anions of electrons in the electrochemical cell, wherein oxidized forms of weaker redox couples present in the mediator are produced by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with oxidized forms of stronger redox couples present and the oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize molecules of the materials and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are oxidized by the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues.
 27. A process for treating and oxidizing biological and organic waste materials while producing hydrogen and oxygen, comprising circulating anions of mediator oxidizing species in an electrolyte through an electrochemical cell and affecting anodic oxidation of reduced forms of reversible redox couples into oxidized forms, contacting the anions with the organic waste in an anolyte portion of the electrolyte in a primary oxidation process, involving super oxidizer anions, having an oxidation potential above a threshold value of 1.7 volts at 1 molar, 25° C. and pH 1 are present there is a free radical oxidizer driven secondary oxidation process, adding energy from an energy source to the anolyte portion and augmenting the secondary oxidation processes, breaking down hydrogen peroxide and ozone in the anolyte portion into hydroxyl free radicals, and increasing an oxidizing effect of the secondary oxidation processes.
 28. The process of claim 27, wherein the adding energy comprises irradiating the anolyte portion with ultraviolet energy.
 29. The process of claim 27, wherein the adding energy comprises introducing an ultrasonic energy source into the anolyte portion, irradiating cell membranes in the organic waste, momentarily raising local temperature within the cell membranes, causing cell membrane failure, and creating greater exposure of cell contents to oxidizing species in the anolyte portion.
 30. The process of claim 27, wherein the mediator oxidizing species are simple anions redox couple mediators described in Table I; Type I isopolyanions formed by Mo, W, V, Nb, Ta, or mixtures thereof; Type I heteropolyanions formed by incorporation into the isopolyanions if any of the elements listed in Table II (heteroatoms) either singly or in thereof, or heteropolyanions containing at least one heteroatom type element contained in both Table I and Table II or combinations of the mediator oxidizing species from any or all of these generic groups.
 31. The process of claim 27, further comprising using oxidizer species that are found in situ in the waste to be decomposed, by circulating the waste-anolyte mixture through the electrochemical cell where in an oxidized form of an in situ reversible redox couple is formed by anodic oxidizing or reacting with an oxidized form of a more powerful redox couple added to the anolyte and anodically oxidized in the electrochemical cell, thereby destroying the biological waste materials while producing the hydrogen and oxygen.
 32. The process of claim 27, further comprising using an alkaline electrolyte selected from a group consisting of NaOH or KOH and combinations thereof, with the mediator oxidizing species, wherein a reduced form of a mediator redox couple has sufficient solubility in said electrolyte for allowing desired oxidation of biological and organic waste materials while producing hydrogen and oxygen.
 33. The process of claim 27, wherein the oxidation potential of redox reactions of the mediator oxidizing species and the biological and organic waste molecules producing hydrogen ions are inversely proportional to electrolyte pH, and thus with a selection of a mediator redox couple increasing the electrolyte pH reduces the electric potential required, thereby reducing electric power consumed per unit mass of the biological and organic waste destroyed.
 34. The process of claim 27, wherein the electrolyte is an aqueous solution chosen from acids, alkalines and neutral electrolytes and mixtures thereof.
 35. The process of claim 27, wherein the adding energy comprises using ultrasonic energy and inducing microscopic bubble expansion and implosion for reducing size of waste volumes dispersed in the anolyte.
 36. The process of claim 27, further comprising interchanging the mediator oxidizing species without changing equipment, and wherein the electrolyte is an acid, neutral or alkaline aqueous solution.
 37. The process of claim 27, further comprising separating the anolyte portion and a catholyte portion of the electrolyte with a hydrogen or hydronium ion-permeable membrane, microporous polymer, porous ceramic or glass frit membrane.
 38. The process of claim 27, further comprising electrically energizing the electrochemical cell at a potential level sufficient for forming the oxidized forms of redox couples having highest oxidizing potential in the anolyte, introducing the biological and organic waste into the anolyte portion, forming reduced forms of one or more reversible redox couples by contacting with oxidizable molecules, the reaction with which oxidizes the oxidizable material with the concomitant reduction of the oxidized form of the reversible redox couples to their reduced form, and wherein the adding energy comprises providing an ultrasonic source connected to the anolyte for augmenting secondary oxidation processes by momentarily heating the hydrogen peroxide in the electrolyte to 4800° C. at 1000 atmospheres thereby dissociating the hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl free radicals thus increasing the oxidizing processes.
 39. The process of claim 27, further comprising oxidation potentials of redox reactions producing hydrogen ions are inversely related to pH;
 40. The process of claim 27, wherein the process is performed at a temperature from slightly above 0° C. to slightly below the boiling point of the electrolyte.
 41. The process of claim 27, wherein the temperature at which the process is performed is varied.
 42. The process of claim 27, wherein the oxidizing and destroying biological and organic waste materials comprises destroying and oxidizing solid waste.
 43. The process of claim 27, wherein the oxidizing and destroying biological and organic waste materials comprises oxidizing and destroying liquid waste.
 44. The process of claim 27, wherein the oxidizing and destroying biological and organic waste materials comprises oxidizing and destroying a combination of liquids and solids.
 45. The process of claim 27, further comprising requiring removing and treating precipitates resulting from combinations of the oxidizing species and other species released from the biological and organic waste during destruction and sterilization.
 46. The process of claim 27, further comprising a catholyte portion of the electrolyte, and wherein the anolyte and catholyte portions of electrolyte are independent of one another, and comprise aqueous solutions of acids, alkali or neutral salt.
 47. The process of claim 27, further comprising separating a catholyte portion of the electrolyte from the anolyte portion with a membrane, operating the electrochemical cell at a current density greater then 0.5 amp per square centimeter across the membrane, and near a limit over which there is the possibility that metallic anions may leak through the membrane in small quantities, and recovering the metallic anions through a resin column, thus allowing a greater rate of destruction of materials in the anolyte portion.
 48. The process of claim 27, wherein the catholyte solution further comprises an aqueous solution and the electrolyte in the solution is composed of acids, alkali or neutral salts of strong acids and bases, and further comprising adding oxygen to this solution when HNO₃ or NO₃ ⁻ can occur in the catholyte, controlling concentration of electrolyte in the catholyte to maintain conductivity of the catholyte portion desired in the electrochemical cell, providing mechanical mixing and/or ultrasonic energy induced microscopic bubble formation, and implosion for vigorous mixing in the catholyte solution for oxidizing the nitrous acid and small amounts of nitrogen oxides NO_(X), introducing air into the catholyte portion for promoting the oxidizing of the nitrous acid and the small amounts of NO_(X), and diluting any hydrogen produced in the catholyte portion before releasing the air and hydrogen.
 49. The process of claim 27, further comprising the evolving of hydrogen is feed to an apparatus that use hydrogen as a fuel (e.g., a fuel cell or a hydrogen burner).
 50. Apparatus for the use of the mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) process on biological and organic waste materials to produce hydrogen and oxygen comprising an electrochemical cell, an aqueous electrolyte disposed in the electrochemical cell, a hydrogen or hydronium ion-permeable or selective membrane, disposed in the electrochemical cell for separating the cell into anolyte and catholyte chambers and separating the electrolyte into aqueous anolyte and catholyte portions, electrodes further comprising an anode and a cathode disposed in the electrochemical cell respectively in the anolyte and catholyte chambers and in the anolyte and catholyte portions of the electrolyte, a power supply connected to the anode and the cathode for applying a direct current voltage between the anolyte and the catholyte portions of the electrolyte, and oxidizing of the materials in the anolyte portion with a mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) process wherein the anolyte portion further comprises a mediator in aqueous solution for producing reversible redox couples used as oxidizing species and the electrolyte is an acid, neutral or alkaline aqueous solution.
 51. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising an anolyte reaction chamber and buffer tank housing the bulk of the anolyte solution, an input pump to enter liquid biological and organic waste materials into the anolyte reaction chamber, a spray head and stream head to introduce the anolyte from the electrochemical cell into the anolyte reaction chamber in such a manner as to promote mixing of the incoming anolyte and the anolyte mixture in the anolyte reaction chamber, a hinged lib to allow insertion of waste into the anolyte portion as liquid, solid of combination of both, a locking latch to secure the lid during operation of the system, a suction pump attached to the buffer tank to pump anolyte from the buffer tank to the anolyte reaction chamber, a input pump to pump anolyte from the anolyte reaction chamber back to the buffer tank, and an air pump to pump off gases from the anolyte reaction chamber back to the buffer tank for further oxidation.
 52. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising a foraminous basket disposed in the anolyte chamber for receiving the solid biological and organic waste materials.
 53. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising additives disposed in the electrolyte for contributing to kinetics of the mediated electrochemical processes while keeping it from becoming directly involved in the oxidizing of the materials, and stabilizer compounds disposed in the electrolyte for stabilizing higher oxidation state species of oxidized forms of the reversible redox couples used as the oxidizing species in the electrolyte.
 54. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the oxidizer species are simple anions redox couple mediators described in Table I: Type I isopolyanions formed by Mo, W, V, Nb, Ta, or mixtures there of, Type I heteropolyanions formed by incorporation into the isopolyanions in heteroatom elements listed in Table II, or any heteropolyanions containing at least one heteroatom type element contained in both Table I and Table II or combinations of mediator species from any or all of these generic groups.
 55. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the oxidizing species are super oxidizers and further comprising creating secondary oxidizers disposed in the anolyte portion by reacting with the super oxidizers in the aqueous anolyte.
 56. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the anolyte portion comprises an alkaline solution for aiding decomposing the materials, for absorbing CO₂, for forming alkali metal bicarbonate/carbonate for circulating through the electrochemical cell, and for producing a percarbonate oxidizer.
 57. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the anolyte portion further comprises super oxidizers generating inorganic free radicals in aqueous solutions derived from carbonate, azide, nitrite, nitrate, phosphite, phosphate, sulfite, sulfate, selenite, thiocyanate, chloride, bromide, and iodide species, anions with an oxidation potential above a threshold value of 1.7 volts at 1 molar, 25° C. and pH 1 (i.e., super oxidizer) for involving in a secondary oxidation process for producing oxidizers, and organic free radicals for aiding the process and breaking down the biological and organic materials into simpler smaller molecular structure biological and organic compounds.
 58. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising an ultrasonic energy source within or near the anolyte chamber for producing microscopic bubbles and implosions for reducing in size individual second phase waste volumes dispersed in the anolyte.
 59. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the membrane is made of microporous polymer, porous ceramic or glass frit.
 60. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising an AC source for impression of an AC voltage upon the DC voltage to retard the formation of cell performance limiting surface films on the electrodes.
 61. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising an air sparge connected to the catholyte reservoir, whereby oxygen contained in the air oxidizes nitrous acid and the small amounts of nitrogen oxides (NO_(X)), produced by cathode reactions when HNO₃ or NO₃ ⁻ salts are present in the catholyte.
 62. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein each of the oxidizing species has normal valence states in reduced forms of redox couples and higher valence oxidizing states oxidized forms of redox couples of the oxidizing species created by stripping and reducing electrons off normal valence state species in the electrochemical cell.
 63. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the anolyte portions are alkaline solutions and oxidation potentials of redox reactions producing hydrogen ions are inversely related to pH, which reduces the electrical power required to oxidize and destroying the biological and organic waste.
 64. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the oxidizing species attack specific organic molecules while operating at temperatures sufficiently low so as to preventing the formation of dioxins and furans.
 65. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the power supply energizes the electrochemical cell at a potential level sufficient to form the oxidized form of the redox couple having the highest oxidation potential in the anolyte, and further comprising a heat exchanger connected to the anolyte chamber for controlling temperature between 0° C. and slightly below the boiling temperature of the anolyte with the heat exchanger before the anolyte enters the electrochemical cell enhancing the generation of oxidized forms of the anion redox couple mediator, and adjusting the temperature of the anolyte to the range between 0° C. and slightly below the boiling temperature when entering the anolyte reaction chamber.
 66. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the oxidizing species are one or more Type I isopolyanion complex anion redox couple mediators containing tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, or combinations thereof as addenda atoms in aqueous solution;
 67. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the oxidizing species are one or more Type I heteropolyanions formed by incorporation into the isopolyanions, as heteroatoms, of the elements listed in Table II, either singly or in combination thereof.
 68. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the oxidizing species are one or more heteropolyanions containing at least one heteroatom type element contained in Table I and Table II.
 69. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the oxidizing species are higher valence state of species found in situ for destroying of biological and organic waste materials.
 70. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the membrane is hydrogen or hydronium ion semi permeable or ion-selective, microporous polymer, porous ceramic or glass frit membrane for separating the anolyte portion and the catholyte portion while allowing hydrogen or hydronium ion passage from the anolyte to the catholyte.
 71. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein oxidation potentials of redox reactions producing hydrogen ions are inversely related to pH, the biological and organic waste is liquid or solid, or a combination of liquids and solids, and the oxidizing species are interchangeable without changing other elements of the apparatus.
 72. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising an ultraviolet source connected to the anolyte chamber for decomposing hydrogen peroxide and ozone into hydroxyl free radicals as secondary oxidizers and increasing efficiency of the process by recovering energy through the oxidation of the materials in the anolyte chamber by the secondary oxidizers.
 73. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising an ultrasonic source connected to the anolyte for augmenting secondary oxidation processes by heating hydrogen peroxide containing electrolyte to 4800° C., at 1000 atmospheres for dissociating hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl free radicals and thus increasing concentration of oxidizing species and rate of waste destruction and for irradiating cell membranes in biological materials to momentarily raise the temperature within the cell membranes to above several thousand degrees, causing cell membrane failure, and creating greater exposure of cell contents to oxidizing species in the anolyte.
 74. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising use of ultrasonic energy, via the ultrasonic energy source communicating with the anolyte for inducing microscopic bubble implosions to affect a reduction in size of the individual second phase waste volumes dispersed in the anolyte.
 75. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising an anolyte reaction chamber holding most of the anolyte portion and a foraminous basket, a penetrator attached to the basket to puncture solids increasing the exposed area, and further comprising an external CO₂ vent connected to the reaction chamber for releasing CO₂ into the atmosphere, a hinged lid attached to the reaction chamber allowing insertion of waste into the anolyte portion as liquid, solid, or mixtures of liquids and solids, an anolyte pump connected to the reaction chamber, an inorganic compounds removal and treatment system connected to the anolyte pump for removing chlorides, and other precipitate forming anions present in the biological and organic waste being processed, thereby precluding formation of unstable oxycompounds.
 76. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising an off-gas cleaning system, comprising scrubber/absorption columns connected to the vent, a condenser connected to the anolyte reaction chamber, whereby non-condensable incomplete oxidation products, low molecular weight organics and carbon monoxide are reduced to acceptable levels for atmospheric release by the gas cleaning system, and wherein the anolyte off-gas is contacted in the gas cleaning system wherein the noncondensibles from the condenser are introduced into the lower portion of the gas cleaning system through a flow distribution system and a small side stream of freshly oxidized anolyte direct from the electrochemical cell is introduced into the upper portion of the column, resulting in a gas phase continuously reacting with the oxidizing mediator species as it rises up the column past the down flowing anolyte, and external drain, for draining to an organic compound removal system and the inorganic compounds removal and treatment system, and for draining the anolyte system, wherein the organic compounds recovery system is used to recover biological materials that are benign and do not need further treatment, and biological materials that will be used in the form they have been reduced.
 77. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising thermal control units connected to heat or cool the anolyte to a selected temperature range when anolyte is circulated into the reaction chamber through the electrochemical cell by pump on the anode chamber side of the membrane, a flush for flushing the anolyte, and a filter is located at the base of the reaction chamber to limit the size of exiting solid particles to approximately 1 mm in diameter.
 78. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the direct current for the electrochemical cell is provided by a DC power supply, which is powered by an AC power supply, and wherein the DC power supply is low voltage high current supply operating at or below 10V DC and the AC power supply operates off an about 110 v AC line for the smaller units and about 240 v AC for larger units.
 79. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising an electrolyte containment boundary composed of materials resistant to the oxidizing electrolyte selected from a group consisting of stainless steel, PTFE, PTFE lined tubing, glass and ceramics, and combinations thereof.
 80. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising an anolyte recovery system connected to a catholyte pump, a catholyte reservoir connected to the cathode portion of the electrochemical cell, a thermal control unit connected to the catholyte reservoir for varying the temperature of the catholyte portion, a bulk of the catholyte portion being resident in a catholyte reservoir, wherein the catholyte portion of the electrolyte flows into a catholyte reservoir, and further comprising an air sparge connected to the catholyte reservoir for introducing air into the catholyte reservoir.
 81. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising an anolyte recovery system for capturing the anions and for reintroducing the anions into the anolyte chamber upon collection from the catholyte electrolyte, an off-gas cleaning system connected to the catholyte reservoir for cleaning gases before release into the atmosphere, and an atmospheric vent connected to the off-gas cleaning system for releasing gases into the atmosphere, wherein cleaned gas from the off-gas cleaning system is combined with unreacted components of the air introduced into the system and discharged through the atmospheric vent
 47. 82. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising a screwed top on the catholyte reservoir to facilitate flushing out the catholyte reservoir, a mixer connected to the catholyte reservoir for stirring the catholyte, a catholyte pump connected to the catholyte reservoir for circulating catholyte back to the electrochemical cell, a drain for draining catholyte, a flush for flushing the catholyte system, and an air sparge connected to the housing for introducing air into the catholyte reservoir, wherein the catholyte portion of the electrolyte is circulated by pump through the electrochemical cell on the cathode side of the membrane, and wherein contact of oxidizing gas with the catholyte portion of the electrolyte is enhanced by promoting gas/liquid contact by mechanical and/or ultrasonic mixing.
 83. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the electrochemical cell is operated at high membrane current densities above about 0.5 amps/cm² for increasing a rate of waste destruction, also results in increased mediator ion transport through the membrane into the catholyte, and further comprising an anolyte recovery system positioned on the catholyte side, air sparging on the catholyte side to dilute and remove off-gas and hydrogen, wherein some mediator oxidizer ions cross the membrane and are removed through the anolyte recovery system to maintain process efficiency or cell operability.
 84. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising a controller, a microprocessor, a monitor and a keyboard connected to the cell for inputting commands to the controller through the keyboard responding to the information displayed on the monitor, a program in the controller sequencing the steps for operation of the apparatus, program having pre-programmed sequences of operations the operator follows or chooses other sequences of operations, the controller allows the operator to select sequences within limits that assure a safe and reliable operation, the controller sends digital commands that regulate electrical power to pumps, mixers, thermal controls, ultraviolet sources, ultrasonic sources, CO₂ vents, air sparge, and the electrochemical cell, the controller receives component response and status from the components, the controller sends digital commands to the sensors to access sensor information through sensor responses, sensors in the apparatus provide digital information on the state of components, sensors measure flow rate, temperature, pH, CO₂ venting, degree of oxidation, and air sparging, the controller receives status information on electrical potential across the electrochemical cell or individual cells in a multi-cell configuration and between the anodes and reference electrodes internal to the cells and the current flowing between the electrodes within each cell.
 85. A biological and organic waste destruction system which provides hydrogen and oxygen, comprising a housing constructed of metal or high strength plastic surrounding an electrochemical cell, with electrolyte and a foraminous basket, an AC power supply with a power cord, a DC power supply connected to the AC power supply, the DC power supply providing direct current to the electrochemical cell, a control keyboard for input of commands and data, a monitor screen to display the systems operation and functions, an anolyte reaction chamber with a basket, status lights for displaying information about the status of the treatment of the organic waste material, an air sparge for introducing air into a catholyte reservoir below a surface of a catholyte, a CO₂ vent incorporated into the housing to allow for CO₂ release from the anolyte reaction chamber, an atmospheric vent facilitating the releases of gases into the atmosphere from the catholyte reservoir, a hinged lid for opening and depositing the organic waste in the basket in the anolyte reaction chamber, a locking latch connected to the hinged lid, and in the anolyte reaction chamber an aqueous acid, alkali, or neutral salt electrolyte and mediated oxidizer species solution in which an oxidizer form of a mediator redox couple initially may be present or may be generated electrochemically after introduction of the waste and application of DC power to the electrochemical cell.
 86. The system of claim 85, wherein the waste is introduced when the anolyte is at room temperature, operating temperature or intermediate temperature, and the organic waste material is rapidly oxidized at temperatures below boiling point of anolyte at ambient pressure, and further comprising a pump circulating an anolyte portion of an electrolyte, an in-line filter preventing solid particles large enough to clog electrochemical cell flow paths from exiting the reaction chamber, an inorganic compound removal and treatment system and drain outlets connected to the anolyte reaction chamber, whereby residue is pacified in the form of a salt and may be periodically removed, and a removable top connected to a catholyte reservoir allowing access to the reservoir for cleaning and maintenance.
 87. A organic waste oxidizing process, comprising an operator engaging an ‘ON’ button on a control keyboard, a system controller which contains a microprocessor, running a program and controlling a sequence of operations, a monitor screen displaying process steps in proper sequence, status lights on the panel providing status of the process, opening a lid and placing the organic waste in a basket as a liquid, solid, or a mixture of liquids and solids, retaining a solid portion of the waste and flowing a liquid portion through the basket and into an anolyte reaction chamber, activating a locking latch after the waste is placed in the basket, activating pumps which begins circulating the anolyte and a catholyte, once the circulating is established throughout the system, operating mixers, once flow is established, turning on thermal control units, and initiating anodic oxidation and electrolyte heating programs, energizing an electrochemical cell to electric potential and current density determined by the controller program, using programmed electrical power and electrolyte temperature ramps for maintaining a predetermined waste destruction rate profile as a relatively constant reaction rate as more reactive waste components are oxidized, thus resulting in the remaining waste becoming less and less reactive, thereby requiring more and more vigorous oxidizing conditions, activating ultrasonic and ultraviolet systems in the anolyte reaction chamber and catholyte reservoir, releasing CO₂ from the biological and organic waste oxidizing process in the anolyte reaction chamber, activating air sparge and atmospheric vent in a catholyte system, monitoring progress of the process in the controller by cell voltages and currents, monitoring CO₂, CO, and O₂ gas composition for CO₂, CO and oxygen content, decomposing the organic waste into water and CO₂, the latter being discharged out of the CO₂ vent, air sparging drawing air into a catholyte reservoir, and discharging excess air out of an atmospheric vent, determining with an oxidation sensor that desired degree of waste destruction has been obtained, setting the system to standby, and executing system shutdown using the controller keyboard system operator.
 88. The process of claim 87, further comprising placing the system in a standby mode during the day and adding organic waste as it is generated throughout the day, placing the system in full activation during non-business hours, operating the system at low temperature and ambient atmospheric pressure and not generating toxic compounds during the oxidation of the biological and organic waste, making the process indoors compatible, scaling the system between units small enough for use by a single practitioner and units large enough to replace hospital incinerators, releasing CO₂ oxidation product from the anolyte system out through the CO₂ vent, and venting off-gas products from the catholyte reservoir through the atmospheric vent.
 89. The process of claim 87, further comprising introducing the waste into a room temperature or cooler system with little or none of the mediator redox couple in the oxidizer form, depending upon reaction kinetics, heat of reaction and similar waste characteristics. 